London’s bus network covers the entire city, and the bright red double-decker buses, beloved by lots of locals and tourists have become an icon in London. They are not only popular vehicles for locals but also tourist sights that every tourist in London should experience at lease once. But do you know there are some interesting facts about them that make them so famous?
They were not red at the beginning
Back in the early 20th century, London’s urban transport system was operated by different companies, and the body colors of buses represented the routes they traveled. In 1907, LGOC (London General Omnibus Company) wanted to stand out from the other independent companies so that it decided to paint all buses red. It has to be mentioned that the double-decker bus has the same red color as the London telephone booth and the Royal Mail postbox.
They had a special rear design for hopping on and off at the very beginning
When the red double-decker bus first appeared, people could get on and off the rear open platform wherever and whenever they wanted even while the bus was in motion because it doesn’t have a door. However, it was not convenient for the older, the disabled and mothers with strollers and it was dangerous for the driving. Now you can take a bus tour and get on or get off at different stations.
The first “bus” was horse-drawn
In the late 19th century, the idea of double-decker transport was put forward for the first time. In 1829, George Shillibeer started taking people from one destination to another by horse-drawn “buses” before engines were used in cars and buses. Until 1919, with the development in technology, the steam buses came into being.
They have appeared in numerous movies
The London double-decker buses are more than a featured vehicle. They have appeared in many movies and become inspiration of some scenes. In many famous movies such as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Cars 2, you can find these familiar double-decker buses.
They have become a national symbol
The double-decker bus in London has become a national icon for the entire country of England in these years. You can find them as the London souvenir in gift shops. There are key chains, fridge magnet, T-shirts with the bus pattern and other objects. If you travel in London, you can consider buying some interesting souvenirs with iconic double-decker bus for your friends and family.
Inspired by this classic vehicle, Rolife designed a scale-down wooden model London Tour Bus TGM02, replicating its unique appearance and retro red color. Within a few hours, you can assemble a mini London double-decker bus by yourself and it will be an excellent home decoration.
Today, London people still rely heavily on red buses as an indispensable part of life, and these double-decker buses are always the best way to see London’s sights. If you go to London, make sure you catch one of these buses before they disappear. Also, if you cannot go to London for a while, you can try assembling a mini replicated bus model TGM02 and feel the captivating charm of this classic vehicle!