Shillibeer Omnibus (1829-01-01)TfL Corporate Archives
London's first buses were horse-drawn
The first regular horse-bus service within the capital was started by George Shillibeer in July 1829
Front side of a postcard illustrating two horse omnibuses in competition (1910-01-01)TfL Corporate Archives
Soon, other operators began to introduce omnibus services
By December 1835, 418 horse-buses were making 1190 journeys in and around London most days. The most heavily used London terminal was Paddington
In 1856, the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC) was formed, and by the year-end had become the world’s largest bus operator. Founded in Paris, it soon re-registered in London to become a wholly British concern
The last LGOC horse-bus ran in October 1911 as the motor bus took over
London General Omnibus Company Boundaries Map (1914-06-15)TfL Corporate Archives
To Charing Cross...and Beyond!
In 1912, the Underground Electric Railways Company acquired financial control of the LGOC. This extended the LGOC’s area of operation to 30 miles from Charing Cross
Until 30th June 1933, more than half the buses running in London belonged to the LGOC. For more than 75 years the company was London’s principal bus operator.
Diagram of Key Bus Routes in Central London (2021-01-06) by Transport for LondonTfL Corporate Archives
Key Bus Routes in Central London
The services built by the LGOC form the basis of the network of bus routes operated by TfL today
As of 2023, TfL manages a bus fleet of around 9,300 vehicles operating across 675 routes. We plan bus routes, set service levels, and monitor service quality
TfL is responsible for around 50 bus stations and more than 19,000 bus stops
Story compiled by TfL using information in records at the Transport for London Corporate Archives. The Corporate Archives seeks to preserve and make accessible records, not to interpret them. A wider range of material is available for physical consultation.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal and educational use only.
