If you are visiting London buses are an excellent way to travel. Traditional buses cover the whole of London over numerous routes. If you would like to see the sights of London then a number of companies provide comprehensive tours of the capitol with commentary on some of the cities extensive heritage.

History

London is a large and busy city which needs a strong public transport system to support its people. London's bus system has existed for over a hundred years, established to support London throughout its continuous development.

London General is one of London's most important transport companies. London General was originally known as The London General Omnibus Company which was established in the 1850s. The LGOC was an organizing body which regulated horse drawn buses working in London. As London developed and progressed through the industrial revolution so did its people and their needs.

At the turn of the nineteenth century the LGOC started to develop new methods of public transport. Before long the traditional horse drawn vehicles were replaced by more reliable engine driven buses. These new buses were welcomed by London's populace as change for the better, offering more comfort and improved service.

While the bus industry progressed London's underground system was becoming established. Opening at the close of the nineteenth century the underground system soon started to pick up momentum in the early twentieth century, offering an equally accessible alternative to the people of London.

Before long the body controlling London's Underground service (the Underground Group) bought the LGOC and all its assets. The services continued to serve London as usual under the abbreviated name of London General.

London Passenger Transport Board

Service continued smoothly with the London Public Transport Board assisting thousands of people daily. During the 1930s the Underground Group (encompassing London General and its bus services) formed a new organisation called the London Passenger Transport Board.

With the new ownership London Buses changed their image to the red bus which many of us still associate with London today. Service continued as usual with the London Bus system meeting the needs of its people. Around fifty years later with many of Britain's public sector assets being privatised the bus service was divided into several different companies.

The majority of the new bus operators took their names from landmarks and local places of interest. However one acknowledged the transport systems heritage and became known as London General once more. London General was privatised and became an asset of the Go-Ahead Group in the nineties.

The Go-Ahead Group Comprised of different rail and coach operators which had been privatised during the 1980s. As well as purchasing London General the Go-Ahead Group purchased other rival bus operators and continues to maintain a strong service today.