Moquette sample; as used on the RM- type bus, circa 1961

Moquette is the durable upholstery fabric used on public transport across the world. This tartan pattern has graduated horizontal lines of maroon, brown and light green combined with vertical lines of yellow. The design was standard for seating in the Routemaster buses throughout the 1960s. The industrial designer Douglas Scott was commissioned to help with the styling of the vehicle and its interior scheme. The lower sides were maroon, the ceilings yellow and the seat backs green. His moquette design reflects all these colours. The prominent vertical yellow lines helped to maintain the pattern of the tartan even after wear.