DAVIS HISTORY
Why Unitrans has red double-decker buses
Unitrans bought two authentic London double-deck buses in 1968 to attract people to the new transit service; the buses became its enduring symbol.
The double-deckers were partly marketing. Unitrans says two authentic London buses were purchased in 1968 to attract riders. They became so strongly associated with the service that the London double-decker remains Unitrans’s symbol, with newer double-deck buses later joining the fleet.
1968Unitrans purchases two authentic London double-deck buses.
Later decadesThe buses become the system’s visual symbol.
2010Modern double-deck buses join the fleet.
Period1968–present
EvidenceDocumented
Last checked2026-08-18
SourceUnitrans — Frequently Asked Questions