Privatisation of London bus services
The privatisation of London bus services was the process of the transfer of operation of buses in London from public bodies to private companies.
First London and London General AEC Routemasters on The Strand
London Buses MCW Metrobus at Piccadilly Circus in October 1987
Grey-Green Alexander bodied Volvo Citybus as used on route 24
London Forest AEC Routemaster in 1991
Buses have been used as a mode of public transport in London since 1829, when George Shillibeer started operating a horse-drawn omnibus service from Paddington to the City of London. In the decades since their introduction, the red London bus has become a symbol of the city.
A 2005 Alexander ALX400 passing a 1963 AEC Routemaster
Early days: London General omnibuses in 1927
The London Transport brand continued on buses until 1986
A post-privatisation London bus bearing private operator branding