People are only just realising why some buses have white roofs and their minds are blown
THE mind-blowing reason that some buses have white roofs has been revealed.
Iconic London buses are usually though of as entirely red, but many were stunned to discover why some have a lighter touch on top.
While they might clash with the classic image of the much-loved symbols of Britishness, white-roofed buses have actually been chugging around the capital for almost two decades.
They were introduced in 2004 and are, in fact, no longer being produced.
The reason for their unique feature was revealed after a birds-eye snap of some of the buses was posted on social media.
The reason for the special look was soon revealed, with people stunned to discover it was to do with efficiency.
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Painting the roofs white reflects the sun's rays, keeping the inside of the bus cooler and preventing it from overheating in the summer months.
In turn, this makes the bus more fuel efficient as it does not need to consume fuel to power air-con.
Overall, reduced fuel consumption makes the public transport staples kinder to the environment as lower fuel usage means lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Social media users shared their shock at discovering the reason for the white roofs - with some not realising the different colour at all.
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One wrote: "Wow I can't believe I didn't realise, I mean surely they haven't been white this whole time. I feel silly."
Another chimed in: "This has blown my mind, the whole time we've been calling them red but they're like a quarter white.
"You never see a picture from above!"
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Meanwhile, a third wrote: "I actually never knew this, it's strange because the newer buses are not white but have sunroofs."
Indeed, white roof buses have been discontinued, and newer models do, in fact, have sunroofs to achieve the same goals.