History of public transport authorities in London

For the current public transport authority in London, see Transport for London.

The history of public transport authorities in London is about the groups that managed the city's buses, coaches, trams, trolleybuses, Docklands Light Railway, and the London Underground. From 1933 to 2000, all these services used the London Transport brand. It began with the London Passenger Transport Board, which took care of travel in the County of London and nearby areas.

Later, control moved to the London Transport Executive and then the London Transport Board. In 1970, responsibility went to the Greater London Council, and then to London Regional Transport. Since 2000, the Greater London Authority has been in charge, and the agency is now called Transport for London. This ended the use of the London Transport name after 67 years.

Background

Before 1933, many different companies ran transport in London. The Underground railway was owned by private companies like the Underground Electric Railways Company of London and the Metropolitan Railway. Trams and trolleybuses were run by local authorities and public companies, and buses by many other companies. These services sometimes competed, causing problems.

The London County Council managed trams inside the County of London, but could not control buses, trams outside its area, or the railways that went into nearby counties. A Royal Commission on London Government in the 1920s did not let the council control more, so a special London Traffic Area was made to help manage traffic in the wider London region. In the 1930s, new plans were made to organize public transport better.

London's transport authorities

Main article: London Passenger Transport Board

Main article: London Transport Executive

Main article: London Transport Board

Main article: London Transport Executive (GLC)

Main article: London Regional Transport

Main article: Transport for London

The London Passenger Transport Board was London's transport authority from 1933 to 1947. It brought together many services like trams, buses, and underground trains. At that time, it covered a larger area than London does today. Many new underground lines were built, helping people live farther from the city center.

From 1948 to 1962, the London Transport Executive took over. It was part of a larger group that also managed railways across Britain. During this time, the famous Routemaster bus started in 1956. Trams stopped running in 1952, and trolleybuses ended in 1962.

The London Transport Board ran from 1963 to 1969. It reported directly to the government. The Victoria line opened, and a new bus called the AEC Merlin was introduced.

From 1970 to 1984, the Greater London Council managed transport. They created a new ticket system with different zones across London. Fares were cut but later raised after legal problems.

London Regional Transport took charge from 1984 to 2000 after the Greater London Council was dissolved. They set up companies to run the underground and buses and introduced new tickets that worked on trains, buses, and the underground.

Since 2000, Transport for London has been in charge. It also manages roads, walking, cycling, and taxis, in addition to buses and the underground. It is the longest-serving transport authority in London’s history.