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 tells the story of 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 started with the creation of the London Passenger Transport Board, which looked after travel in the County of London and nearby areas up to 30 miles away.

Later, control passed to the London Transport Executive and then the London Transport Board. In 1970, responsibility was given 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, ending the use of the London Transport name after 67 years.

Background

Before 1933, many different companies ran the transport system 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 often competed with each other, 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 allow the council to expand its control, so a special London Traffic Area was made to manage traffic in the wider London region. In the 1930s, new plans were made to better organize public transport.

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 the transport authority from 1933 to 1947. It brought together many different services in London for the first time. This included trams, buses, and the underground trains. The area it covered was much larger than today’s London. During this time, 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 became part of a larger group that also managed railways across Britain. This period saw the introduction of the famous Routemaster bus 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 during this time, and a new type of bus called the AEC Merlin was introduced.

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

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.