Best London Bus Tour Tripadvisor - The national symbol of England, the red double-decker bus is one of the first things any visitor to London can't resist taking a photo of. But why exactly is this public bus so popular? Here are 11 amazing facts you should know about London's double-decker buses:
For Londoners, these charming double-decker buses are a part of everyday life. Every day, London's 7,500 buses carry 6 million passengers on more than 700 different routes. A double-decker bus can accommodate 100 passengers.
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The idea of a double-decker vehicle was first proposed in the late 19th century, even before the development of the automobile. In 1827, George Shillibeer, an English coachbuilder, commissioned a Parisian merchant to build a coach that would be strong enough to carry a large number of passengers.
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After the popularity of the Paris public service, Shilibir brought the design to London. In the late 1840s, these horse-drawn omnibuses had additional decks to accommodate more passengers, as London's narrow streets were unsuitable for accordion-type buses.
Today, London's double-decker buses are completely closed. But it was only in the 1930s that buses with a roof over the upper deck began to arrive. Although open decks were preferred for unobstructed views of the city, those sitting on the upper decks were often exposed to inclement weather and safety hazards.
Fortunately, you can still find open-top double-decker buses in London. The popular double-decker tour bus operated by Big Bus lets you choose between an open upper deck or a covered lower deck, depending on the weather. On balmy summer nights, a top night tour allows you to explore London's nightlife in comfort.
Why are London's double-decker buses red? The answer goes back to the early 1900s, when the city's transportation system was run by several companies. In order to stand out from its competitors, the General London Omnibus Company decided to paint its entire fleet red. When London Public Transport took over, it kept the same iconic colours. It's the same shade of red used on London Underground roundabouts and Royal Mail mailboxes, which you can learn more about at the Postal Museum.
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While London buses are traditionally red, special colors are rolled out for events such as the Queen's Silver Jubilee and Golden Jubilee. In the past, buses traveling to the outskirts of the city were painted green to match the conditions of their country.
After World War I, the London General Omnibus Company faced a shortage of buses as they were used to transport large quantities of troops and weapons during the war. This, combined with poor service, led to the growth of other companies to challenge the London General monopoly. These were known as 'pirate' buses and the streets of London became battlegrounds where pirates and General London buses raced to pick up passengers.
The most famous pirate bus was the Chocolate Express, which ran from 1922 to 1934. These buses were painted chocolate brown and you can still find them at the London Transport Museum, which also immortalises the old London buses.
In the past, London's double-decker buses allowed people to get on and off the bus wherever and whenever they wanted, even while the bus was in motion. However, this was eventually ignored as the buses had to maintain a slower speed for passengers to catch up and there were safety concerns.
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Today, you can board and alight safely by joining these bus tours where you can conveniently board and disembark the bus at various attractions.
The AEC Routemaster features a semi-cab engine and an open rear platform, making it one of London's best double-decker bus models. It even inspired the new Routemaster, which still operates in London.
In recognition of Routemaster's iconic status, Stagecoach London has launched two 'heritage' routes where passengers can ride the Routemaster around iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. Unfortunately, the legacy buses were suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic and will finally be discontinued in 2021.
Luckily, you can still join a vintage bus tour of London and get up close and personal with the city's famous sights in a retro double-decker Routemaster.
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According to local legend, one night in the 1930s, a man walking past Cambridge Park in West London suddenly swerved as a double-decker bus headed towards him, even though there were no drivers or passengers on board.
Over the years, many accidents happen in the same place at the same time. All eyewitness accounts were of a driverless double-decker that appeared to have vanished into thin air.
Last heard in 1990, the chances of encountering this offending bus are slim. But if you're looking for a thrill, the London Ghost Bus Tour takes you on a journey through London's dark history - you can even travel on an iconic Routemaster bus from the 1960s.
Ian Fleming is said to have chosen James Bond's codename "007" because the bus was passing by his favorite pub. James Bond movie
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Roger Moore also portrayed the spy behind the wheel of a Routemaster, after learning to drive a double-decker for the role.
London's night buses, which have been running since 1913, inspired Harry Potter's Night Bus series. It was even built for the Regent III double decker
In 2006, London found that transport accounts for around 20% of carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, the city decided to convert its entire fleet of buses to hybrid vehicles. In 2015, London began testing the world's first electric double-decker bus, which was officially launched in June 2021. By 2037, London hopes to operate a completely zero-emissions fleet.
Have you ever had dinner on the bus? We're not just talking about snacks in the back, but a full meal with a table. Bustronome combines a bus tour with a gastronomic experience, taking you to the highlights while you enjoy delicious meals freshly prepared on board. You also don't have to worry about spillage because the silverware is magnetically attached to the table. And in any case, there is a bathroom on board. Tip: Make sure to look up - the glass roof offers amazing views as you pass landmarks like Tower Bridge. Likewise, you can take in the sights of London while enjoying sandwiches and cakes on Bridget's Afternoon Tea Bus.
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