In the 19th century, a horse-bus or omnibus served as a significant means of passenger transportation in both the United States and Europe.
These large horse-drawn carriages had an enclosed cabin for passengers, while the driver usually sat on a front-facing bench, positioned outside and at an elevated level.
This setup allowed for efficient transport of people across various routes.
1662—The Omnibus was first introduced in Paris, marking a significant milestone in public transportation.
1677—After 15 years, the Omnibus service was discontinued due to increasing fare prices, and it became exclusive to high-society members.
John Greenwood launched Manchester's first bus line, which didn't require any pre-bookings, making it more accessible to the public.
In 1827, Stanislas Baudry commissioned George Shillibeer, an English coach maker, to design a carriage capable of carrying a large number of customers.
On 28th April 1828, George Shillibeer's successful design became the first omnibus in Paris, operating between La Madeleine and la Bastille at 15-minute intervals.
London introduced its first omnibus in 1831, providing a new mode of public transportation.
In 1833, legislation was passed in London, allowing these omnibuses to operate on the streets legally.
Thomas Tilling initiated horse bus services in 1850, but they faced challenges due to the limitations of horses, such as working hours, housing, grooming, feeding, and waste management.
In 1855, the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC) was established to regulate horse-drawn omnibus services across the city. These systems required multiple horses per bus, leading to large stables for each bus system.
Around 1860, the advent of mass-produced steel facilitated the transition from horse-drawn to rail-based transportation, enabling a significant increase in passenger capacity.
By 1890, electric propulsion began to replace horse-drawn carts in major cities, further advancing public transportation.
On 4th August 1914, the last horse-drawn cart service between Peckham and Honor Oak Tavern came to an end, marking the end of an era in urban transportation.
In 1830, the first proposal for an underground railway network in London emerged due to the city's significant growth and traffic congestion caused by the increasing commuting population.
By 1850, several railway terminals were scattered around London's urban center.
In 1852, Charles Pearson, a Solicitor to the City of London, championed the idea of creating a railway from Farringdon to King's Cross through the City Terminus Company. Despite the city's support, the railway companies initially showed little interest, making progress challenging.
However, in 1854, the Metropolitan Railway (Met) was granted permission to build an underground line, becoming the world's first underground railway when it opened its doors in 1863.
Over the years, various extensions and expansions were made, including the Circle Line's completion in 1884, significantly expanding the railway service in and around London.
Additionally, in 1890, the city and South London Railway introduced electric trains, marking the beginning of the first deep-level tube line.
The waterloo and city railway also commenced operations in 1898, while the District Railway expanded its services to Whitechapel.
These developments laid the foundation for the extensive underground railway system that London relies on today.
