London Buses: Why are they red?

London Buses have been around for almost 200 years. In 1829, the first recognisable bus service was created between Paddington and central London. By 1850, horse-drawn omnibuses became an increasingly normal sight. Five years later the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC) was founded to regulate the various bus companies. LGOC then, in 1905 with the rise of automobiles, painted their buses (which they called the 'Vanguard') red. A bold colour was meant to help the Vanguard buses stand out and imbed themselves in London's cultural memory. The result is a strong brand identity that has lasted for over a hundred years. LGOC has certainly won this one! How much longer will red buses be on the streets? Who knows?