The Queen’s Silver
Jubilee in 1977 saw 25 silver buses and one silver taxi on the streets
of the capital for the celebrations and pageant.
Mayor of London Ken
Livingstone said:
“Red
buses and black cabs are a classic symbol of London’s heritage as well
as a great way to get around town. 2002 will see an unprecedented level
of focus on London from around the world and I’m delighted that London
buses and taxis will play a key role in the celebrations right across
the Capital.”
Transport for London
Director of Surface Transport Peter Hendy said:
“People
all over London will now be spotting gold buses on routes near them and
I’m delighted that the classic images of London buses and taxis will
be beamed around the world. London’s
buses will be playing a key role in keeping London moving over the
Jubilee weekend
“London’s
buses are working harder than ever.
They are used for 57 million more journeys and running 95 million
more miles annually than they were in 1977.”
London Tourist Board
and Convention Bureau’s Director of Marketing Sandra Elliot said:
“The
Golden Jubilee is a fantastic opportunity to tempt back the overseas
visitors that London lost in 2001.
The gold buses and taxis will play an important part in promoting
London as the place to be in 2002.”
London Taxis
International Chief Executive Ian Pickering said:
“We
are delighted to play our part in London’s Golden Jubilee
celebrations. London’s
distinctive taxis and buses are a world-renowned icon of London.
“We
have been producing taxis for London throughout the last fifty years and
look forward to serving the London Taxi Industry for many years to
come.”
The fifty buses,
wrapped in gold vinyl, are sponsored in batches of ten.
Sponsors are Nestle’s Felix, Marks and Spencer’s, Mars
‘Celebrations’, Unilever’s Surf and Transport for London.
Six of the buses will take part in the Golden Jubilee Parade on 3rd
June.
The fifty taxis,
painted gold, are individually numbered from 1952 to 2002 and being
manufactured by London Taxis International.
More information on Golden Jubilee, including a calendar of events around the country, can be found at www.goldenjubilee.gov.uk.