London buses are red and have been for over a hundred years. The livery
was introduced by London General and was continued by London Transport
on its formation in 1933, and then perpetuated in principal by its
successors, including after privatisation. When route tendering was
introduced in 1985, new operators awarded contracts were initially
allowed to use their own liveries. London Buses set up some low-cost
units to compete for tenders, and some of these adopted differing
liveries. But from 1994, 80 per cent red livery was specified for routes
entering central London. This was subsequently tightened to cover all
routes and to become overall red, with only the fleetname to
differentiate companies. However, there have been several exceptions to
the rule. Some routes have featured vehicles with special promotional
lettering or liveries. Vehicles have appeared in commemorative liveries
for royal and anniversary occasions. Vehicles used on contracts or
long-term rail replacement services have also carried special liveries
specified by the contractor. Also, vehicles used for driver training or
for private hire and tours rather than bus routes have been given
separate liveries. Many other vehicles have carried commercial
advertising liveries since 1969. This book explores the variety of
variant liveries carried by the buses of London Transport and its
successors since 1969.
