NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Routemaster

The AEC Routemaster is a model of double-decker bus that was unveiled in 1954 and produced until 1968^[1]. Primarily a front engined, rear open platform bus, a small number of variants were produced with doors and/or front entrances. Introduced in 1956, the Routemaster saw continuous service in London until 2005, and currently persists on two heritage routes in central London. Download high resolution version (1253x768, 264 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (1253x768, 264 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... AEC badge logo AEC Regent 1962-built AEC Mercury 1952 ACLO Mammoth Major III truck with Bonallack cab and body. ... A London AEC Routemaster, RML 2473 (JJD 473D), on route 7 approaching Ladbroke Grove tube station in April 2002. ... A car from 1956 Year 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses heritage routes may refer to: London Buses route 9 (Heritage) London Buses route 15 (Heritage) Category: ...

Having been developed in partnership with London Transport, the customer of nearly all new Routemasters was to be London Transport, in both traditional red and green 'country' colours, although small numbers were also delivered new to British European Airways and The Northern General Transport Company. In all, 2,876^[1] Routemasters were built, with approximately 1,000 still in existence. For other uses of BEA see Bea British European Airways, or BEA, was formed in 1946 by an Act of Parliament. ...

A pioneering design, in London the Routemaster outlasted several of its replacement types and survived the privatisation of London Transport bus operation, and saw proliferation to other operators around the UK.

Latterly in modern UK public transport bus operation, the unique features of the standard Routemaster attracted both praise and criticism alike. Notably the open platform, while open to the elements, allowed boarding/alighting away from stops; and the presence of a conductor allowed minimal boarding time and security, although introduced labour costs and increased the effect of labour shortages. Mass transit redirects here. ... A Volvo articulated bus in contract service for Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, operated by Virginia Overland Transportation, an urban-suburban bus line, in 2003 A transit bus (also known as a commuter bus) in the United States is usually operated by an urban-suburban bus line, a governmental... A train Conductor // The Conductor is the railway employee charged with the management of a freight, passenger, or various other types of train, and is also the direct supervisor of the trains Train Crew (brakeman, flagman, ticket collector, assistant conductor, on board service personnel). ...

The image of the traditional red Routemaster has become one of the famous icons of London, with much tourist paraphernalia continuing to bear Routemaster imagery, with examples still in existence around the world. Despite its iconic status, the previous London bus classes the Routemaster replaced, the RT-type AEC Regent and Leyland Titan RTL and RTW counterparts, are often mistaken for Routemasters by the public and by the media. London Transport RT 1594 seen at Chertsey Station on 19th June 2005 whilst operating on one of Cobham Bus Museums 1950s running days. ... Metro-Cammell-bodied Leyland Titan (London Transport fleet number RTL554). ...

Novel design

The Routemaster bus was developed during the period 1947-1956 by a team led by Douglas Scott and Colin Curtis, the brief being to replace Londons trolleybuses, which had themselves replaced trams, in London. Image File history File links Heritage_Routemaster. ... Image File history File links Heritage_Routemaster. ... Further information: electric bus A trolleybus (also known as trolley bus, trolley coach, trackless trolley, trackless tram or simply trolley) is an electric bus powered by two overhead wires, from which it draws electricity using two trolley poles. ... This article refers to public transport vehicles running on rails. ...

The Routemaster was primarily intended for London use, being designed by London Transport and constructed at the AEC works in Southall, London.

It was a revolutionary design over previous buses, and used lightweight aluminium and techniques developed during aircraft production learnt during World War II^[2]. As well as a novel weight saving integral design, the Routemaster also introduced independent front suspension, power steering, fully automatic gearbox and power-hydraulic braking on a bus for the first time^[3] This caught out some early drivers who found the chassis unexpectedly light and nimble compared to older designs, especially as depicted on film on tests at the Chigwell 'skid pan'.

The Routemaster design was a departure from the traditional chassis + body construction method. With London Transport being the primary customer, the option to use different bodybuilders was not so important. The design was one of the first 'integral' buses^[3], with the bus being a combination of an 'A' steel sub-frame (including engine, steering, front suspension), a rear 'B' steel sub-frame (carrying rear axle and suspension), connected by the aluminium body^[1].

Prototypes

London Transport received four prototype Routemasters, these were placed in service between 1956 and 1958. The first two were built at the London Transport works at Chiswick, the third at Addlestone by Weymann, and the fourth, an experimental Green Line coach, at Eastern Coach Works at Lowestoft. The third and fourth had Leyland engines^[3]. The Routemaster was first exhibited at the Commercial Motor Show at Earl's Court in 1954^[2]. The London Transport Executive (LTE), commonly known as London Transport, was the organisation responsible for public transport in London, United Kingdom and its environs from 1948-1963. ... Green Line may refer to: // Green Line (Cyprus), between the Republic of Cyprus and the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. ...

In 1961 a small batch of RMLs were built as a test, before eventually being produced from 1965.

In 1962, the front entrance RMF concept was trialled, with a single bus RMF1254 produced based on the trial RMLs. This was exhibited and toured, leading to a small number of orders as the RMF and RMA class.

In 1964, just before mainstream production of the RML, the final rear engined Routemaster model, AEC started work on a front-entrance, rear-engined Routemaster^[4], the FRM class. Completed in 1966, it was not produced beyond an initial prototype, FRM1. This saw service in London on regular service, then on tour operations, before being withdrawn in 1983.

Production

Production was undertaken at AEC's Southall site throughout the life of the Routemaster, although AEC itself was taken over by Leyland Motors in 1962^[5], Routemaster production ceased in 1968^[5]. Leyland Motors is a British vehicle manufacturer of lorries and buses. ...

The majority of production examples were 27 feet 6 inches (8.4 metres) long to meet maximum length legislation. This was later relaxed, and reflected in later 30 feet (9.1 metres) 'long' types, although this was delayed with union resistance at the extra work for conductors^[6].

RM and RML class

At 2120 RMs and 524 RMLs, these make up the majority of Routemasters ever made. The RML class was simply an RM with a distincitve and seemingly out of place half window section added in the middle adding 8 extra seats. This was not a dramatic change, as it took advantage of the modular design approach of the Routemaster, that would be copied by later manufacturers^[6]. The RML was originally to be the 'Routemaster Leyland' designation, with ER to signify 'Extended Routemaster'^[6]. The RM and RML featured a cubby hole beneath the rear staircase where the conductor could stand while not collecting fares but not obstruct boarding/alighting passengers. Download high resolution version (1600x1200, 440 KB)London Central AEC Routemaster RM 758 (209 UXJ) on route 36 at Vauxhall bus station, 6 January 2005. ... Download high resolution version (1600x1200, 440 KB)London Central AEC Routemaster RM 758 (209 UXJ) on route 36 at Vauxhall bus station, 6 January 2005. ...

RMC and RCL class

The RMC was a coach version, produced for the 'Green' routes. These had modified suspension and interiors to allow longer range and more comfortable running, along with an electrically operated door instead of an open platform^[7]. The RCL was a long version of the RMC with a larger engine and similar coach style features^[8]. Green Line may refer to: // Green Line (Cyprus), between the Republic of Cyprus and the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. ...

RMF and RMA class

The RMF and RMA class were production versions of a front entrance model Routemaster, primarily for non-London use^[9]. Like the coach class these featured an electrically operated door, although the staircase was moved to the front of the bus with the door. After being exhibited and demonstrated to other operators, the RMF attracted little interest, apart from an order from Northern General as the "RMF", and in a short version, from British European Airways (BEA) as the "RMA class". For other uses of BEA see Bea British European Airways, or BEA, was formed in 1946 by an Act of Parliament. ...

Northern General introduced the "RMF class" in 1964/1965, later joinded by the prototype RMF1254^[9]. These were used until 1977, when they were disposed of in a variety of ways^[9], some finding use in London, although none were deemed suitable for regular London service. BEA introduced the "RMA class" long buses (with trailers) in 1966/1967 for use on airport bus service to and from Heathrow Airport in various liveries^[10]. These were all eventually sold to London Transport after being withdrawn in stages in the 1970s, finding various roles^[11]. London Heathrow Airport (IATA airport code: LHR, ICAO airport code: EGLL, and often simply Heathrow) is the United Kingdoms busiest and best-connected airport. ...

London Transport heyday

The heyday of Routemaster operation was its first 25 years of operation, until 1981^[12], when the type started to be withdrawn and transferred to training fleets.

The RM class were placed in service from 1959 to replace trolleybuses, this was completed in May 1962. Subsequent Routemasters, the last 500 of which were the RML types, began replacing the previous generation of buses, the RT-type AEC Regent and Leyland Titan RTL and RTW. RMLs also displaced RMs on central routes to cope with higher loadings^[6]. The last Routemaster, RML 2760, entered service in March 1968. Further information: electric bus A trolleybus (also known as trolley bus, trolley coach, trackless trolley, trackless tram or simply trolley) is an electric bus powered by two overhead wires, from which it draws electricity using two trolley poles. ... London Transport RT 1594 seen at Chertsey Station on 19th June 2005 whilst operating on one of Cobham Bus Museums 1950s running days. ... Metro-Cammell-bodied Leyland Titan (London Transport fleet number RTL554). ...

The original London Transport concept for the Routemaster included the intentional routine overhaul and refurbishment of the Routemaster fleet at Aldenham Works (operated by London Transport), usually every 7 years. Here the buses were completely stripped down and rebuilt, leaving as good as new. However, as the number of Routemasters in London reduced, and newer bus designs were intended to have longer service lives, the overhaul practice was abandoned and Aldenham Works closed in the mid-1980s.

Green Routemasters

The 'green Routemasters' originally worked for LT's 'country division', which took coach type RMC and RCL buses, for Green Line services, and later standard bus RMLs. The RMC class were initially used on Green Line routes in outlying towns^[7]. Similarly, the RCL entered service in areas where the RMC was not introduced^[8]. London Country Bus Services Ltd was set up in 1968, when London Transports (LT) green buses were transferred to the National Bus Company (NBC), at the same time London Transports red buses passed from the London Transport Board to the Greater London Council. ... Green Line may refer to: // Green Line (Cyprus), between the Republic of Cyprus and the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. ... Green Line may refer to: // Green Line (Cyprus), between the Republic of Cyprus and the de facto Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. ...

These vehicles passed to the nationalised National Bus Company's subsidiary unit London Country Bus Services (known simply as London Country) in 1969, which took over outlying areas of LT bus operation during the deregulation of bus services. The transfer comprised 69 RMCs, 43 RCLs and 97 RMLs ^[3]. The National Bus Company was a bus company in the United Kingdom. ... London Country Bus Services Ltd was set up in 1968, when London Transports (LT) green buses were transferred to the National Bus Company (NBC), at the same time London Transports red buses passed from the London Transport Board to the Greater London Council. ... Bus deregulation in Great Britain came into force on 26 October 1986, and is formally known as the 1985 Transport Act. ...

Most of these vehicles were re-acquired by London Transport by the latter half of the 1970s, as London Country modernised and standardised its fleet, and increased car usage and improved commuter railways reduced their demand. Most of the RMLs found use on red london bus routes^[3], and the RMC and RCL class were put into the training fleet^[7]. As the RCL class was relatively new (in Routemaster terms), and LT was suffering from lack of parts, in 1980, several of the RCLs were converted to standard bus use, until 1984^[13].

Decline in London

Many of London's bus routes were converted to One-Man-Operation (OMO) in the 1970s, out of a desire to reduce operating costs and address staff shortages. There was also for a time a parts shortage for Routemasters, aggravated by the closure of AEC^[14]. With the introduction of single-deck Red Arrow services in London, and successful conversion to modern rear engined OMO buses around the country, LT was considering replacing Routemasters with modern practices and buses. The operation of the Routemaster became contracted to central areas, with RMLs replacing RMs, where the Routemaster still provided an efficient people moving solution for the busy central routes, justifying the economics of two man operation^[15]. The rapid acceleration and rugged construction of the Routemasters also proved to be more suited than more modern designs^[15].

From the 1980s, many of the surplus Routemasters were sold off to other operators or transferred to training fleets. While withdrawal of Routemasters began in 1982, it was largely halted by 1988, with comparatively few withdrawn between then and 1992.

Due to their non standard bus features, namely doors, in the 1980s several of the returned Routemasters purchased from Northern General, BEA and London Country were put to use on London Transport's revived sightseeing operation The Original London Sightseeing Tour, with the RCL class (some converted to open top buses)^[13], the RMF class^[9], and the RMA class^[11].

Privatisation of London Buses

In 1984 the process of privatisation of London bus services began, and the Routemasters were transferred from London Transport operation, to several different arms length business units based on different garages, leading to minor additions to the standard red livery. Nine of the twelve new operating units inherited Routemasters, Cenrewest, Leaside, London Central, London General, London United, Metroline, London Northern, South London and East London^[16]. During this time, following the failure and premature withdrawal of heralded replacement vehicle classes such as the DMS class Leyland Fleetline, the Routemasters that had not yet been disposed of, were life extended for use until privatisation. Where new route tenders called for Routemaster operation, these were leased from London Buses^[16]. Metroline, owned by ComfortDelGro Corporation of Singapore, is one of many companies operating bus services in London under the management of London Buses. ... First London is one of many operators of London Buses and owned by First Group. ... Daimler Fleetline The Daimler Fleetline (known as the Leyland Fleetline from c. ...

By 1994, all the operating units had been sold off, and this produced some colour variations and additions to some Routemasters from their previous all-over red liveries. In the new London route tendering process, all but one of the Routemaster operated routes were allowed to keep their now privately owned Routemasters^[3] for the 5 year contract period, and further refurbishments occurred.

Life extensions

Since the ending of production at Southall, and later closure of the Aldenham works, new options for extending the life of the Routemaster became necessary if they were to continue to run. This made sense as even by 1987, when some buses looked decidedly worn out, inspections by London Buses revealed the basic structure of the buses was still sound^[14], requiring only replacement of engines and interior/exterior renewal. Daimler Fleetline The Daimler Fleetline (known as the Leyland Fleetline from c. ...

From 1992-1994, all but 2 of the RML type were refurbished for ten years' further service. This work, which included updating the interior to modern tastes and re-engining with Iveco or Cummins engines, was carried out by Mainline, TBP and Leaside Buses, one of the new London Buses business units. 100 RM classes were also re-engined^[3]. Post-privatisation, in 1996, the Routemasters on London Central's RMs on route 36, Stagecoach London's RMLs for routes 8 and 15, and Arriva's RMs for route 159, all received new Scania engines^[3]. Between 2001 and 2004, under new mayor Ken Livingstone and Transport for London, the replacement authority for London Buses, instigated a further refurbishment, which saw the re-purchase of 49 RM's by TfL from a variety of sources. Initially started by Marshall Bus, this was continued by Arriva London when Marshall ceased trading in 2002. Iveco is a European truck, bus, and diesel engine manufacturer, based in Turin, Italy. ... This article is about the diesel engine manufacturer. ... First South Yorkshire is a large bus operator in South Yorkshire, England. ... Transport For London (TfL) is a local government body responsible for most aspects of the transport system throughout Greater London in England. ... Arriva London is a division of Arriva. ...

Colourful Routemasters

During privatisation in London, from 1986 several private operators won contracts to operate London bus services, some of which including Routemaster operated routes. Before an 80% red rule for liveries was reintroduced in 1997 by LT, the contract tendering authority, some of these new entrants proceeded to run Routemasters in their own non-red liveries, most notably Kentish Bus on Route 19 and Borehamwood Travel Services (BTS) (now part of Transdev London) on Route 13. Arriva Southern Counties is a bus operator in London, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent in England. ... Transdev London is one of many operators of London Buses and is owned by Transdev Group of France, an international transport group, who operate urban, tram and light railway networks worldwide. ...

The iconic nature of the Routemaster also appealed to the many new operators outside of London that appeared post 1986 in the UK following bus deregulation. Routemasters were painted in a variety of proprietry colours and used in regular service in Southampton, Blackpool, Glasgow, Perth, Dundee, Hull, Carlisle, Bedford, Kettering, Manchester (Stagecoach), Southend and Burnley^[3]. With the costs involved in running elderly 2 man buses, and with a general contraction in the number of operators in the deregulated industry, these services ended by the early 1990s. Bus deregulation in Great Britain came into force on 26 October 1986, and is formally known as the 1985 Transport Act. ...

Final withdrawal from London

In his first election campaign to become Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone stated that he would not be withdrawing the Routemaster from service - "Only a de-humanised moron would get rid of the Routemaster"^[17] Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (900x600, 151 KB) Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Routemaster Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create or digitize it. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (900x600, 151 KB) Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Routemaster Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create or digitize it. ... Ken Livingstone, the current Mayor of London The Mayor of London is an elected politician in London, United Kingdom. ... Kenneth Robert Livingstone (born June 17, 1945) became Mayor of London on the creation of the post in 2000 having previously been Labour Leader of the Greater London Council from 1981 until it was abolished in 1986. ...

During the new millennium, debates surrounded the Routemaster, with supporters citing its continued mechanical fitness, speed of boarding and tourist potential, to retain or similarly replace the Routemasters. Meanwhile opponents pointed to the economics of running such elderly buses as newer larger and modern designs were emerging following a resurgence in the bus manufacturing industry following recession in the 1990s. Opponents also pointed out the lack of accessibility, as new buses were to low-floor designs. The emergence of off-bus ticketing technology also reduced the argument for better dwell times, whereby the Oyster card and off-bus ticket machines would reduce the time it took to board the bus. The passenger door of a low-floor tram. ... Front and back of an early Oyster card. ...

In 2004, following his second election campaign, he announced the phasing out of the type in order to provide a bus service in the capital fully accessible to wheelchair users. Government legislation requires full accessibility by 2017 under the Disability Discrimination Act. As a consequence the Routemaster was officially withdrawn from general service on 9 December 2005, although it remains in regular service on two 'heritage' routes (see below). In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, a number of countries have passed laws aimed at reducing unfair discrimination against disabled people. ... is the 343rd day of the year (344th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Timetable of withdrawal

Withdrawals began on the dates below as the routes' five-year contracts expired. This image has been (or is hereby) released into the public domain by its creator, KF. This applies worldwide. ... This image has been (or is hereby) released into the public domain by its creator, KF. This applies worldwide. ... First London is one of many operators of London Buses and owned by First Group. ... Ladbroke Grove is a road in West London, and is also the name given to the immediate area surrounding the road. ... Ladbroke Grove is a London Underground station on the Hammersmith and City Line, between Latimer Road and Westbourne Park stations, and in Travelcard Zone 2. ...

London Buses route 15 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 241st day of the year (242nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 11 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 23 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 94 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 23rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 6 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... March 26 is the 85th day of the year (86th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 98 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... March 26 is the 85th day of the year (86th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 8 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 7 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 183rd day of the year (184th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 137 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 190th day of the year (191st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 9 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 246th day of the year (247th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 390 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 246th day of the year (247th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 73 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 246th day of the year (247th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A Mississauga Transit bus in Mississauga Ontario. ... // History The route was re-structured at the time the new articulated bus contract began. ... is the 309th day of the year (310th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A Mississauga Transit bus in Mississauga Ontario. ... London Buses route 36 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 28th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 19 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 14 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 203rd day of the year (204th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 22 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 203rd day of the year (204th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 13 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London. ... is the 294th day of the year (295th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... London Buses route 38 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 301st day of the year (302nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... A Mississauga Transit bus in Mississauga Ontario. ... London Buses route 159 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom. ... is the 343rd day of the year (344th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The last day

The Routemaster was gradually phased out of service by the end of 2005. By December 2005 only one route was left, the 159 (Marble Arch — Streatham). Friday 9th December 2005 would be the last official running day^[18]. On Thursday 8th, 24 special buses, including preserved RMs and RMLs, plus a number of their predecessors from the "RT" bus family, made guest appearances on the 159 route. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (922x692, 116 KB) Summary RM2217 freshly painted, Arrives at the Garage in Streatham on the 159 for the last time, as thousands of people bring the four lane road to a stand still, Police try to make way, just so it... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (922x692, 116 KB) Summary RM2217 freshly painted, Arrives at the Garage in Streatham on the 159 for the last time, as thousands of people bring the four lane road to a stand still, Police try to make way, just so it... is the 343rd day of the year (344th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

On Friday, instead of doing a normal shift, with crews ending normally at around 11pm, on police advice^[19], the day was split into two duty shifts^[19], a Routemaster shift, and a VLA class shift (Volvo B7TL/Alexander ALX400), the replacement bus for route 159, with the Routemasters due to be replaced in the middle of the day. Volvo B7TL is a low-floor double decker which was launched in 1999 and replaced the 2-axle version of Volvo Olympian (its 3-axle version was replaced by Volvo Super Olympian). ... A Stagecoach A1 Service Dennis Trident 2 with an Alexander ALX400 body. ...

Towards the last runs to the garage, crowds blocked the four-lane road^[18], bringing all traffic to a standstill. RM2217 was set to be the last official running bus, as per the timetable. Heavily delayed, RM2217 even took 10 minutes to turn the final corner into Brixton Garage. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (927x771, 126 KB) Summary The last three routemasters RM5 (Right), RM6 (Gold/Centre), RM2217 lined up at Brixton Garage minutes after the last run. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (927x771, 126 KB) Summary The last three routemasters RM5 (Right), RM6 (Gold/Centre), RM2217 lined up at Brixton Garage minutes after the last run. ... is the 343rd day of the year (344th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The bus left the public highway at 14:07, accompanied by duplicates provided by preserved buses RM5 and RM6. Due to the delays, it is possible that RM54 was actually the last in service, running into Streatham Station stand a few minutes later^[19], before running dead to Norwood Garage.

Later, RM5 and RM6, followed by RM2217 were moved to the old LCC Tramways depot at Brixton for press photographs int quieter surroundings of the old tramways depot, complete with still visible tramlines.

Routemasters in use today

London Heritage routes

Two heritage routes were immediately introduced in London, recognising the nostalgia for the type among ordinary Londoners, and their appeal to tourists. Although these buses are operated under contract to TfL, and accept standard Travelcards, Oystercards or cash fares, they are not considered part of the regular Tfl bus network, and only operate for a limited time during the day duplicating short sections of two regular London bus routes. The Heritage routes operate around 10 buses each^[20], with 5 each in reserve. Front and back of an Oyster card. ...

The buses used were specially restored from remaining examples for this service and have clean environmental engines and modern electrics and sealed windows. London Buses route 9 (Heritage) is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom operated only by Routemaster buses. ... London Buses route 15 (Heritage) is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, United Kingdom operated only by Routemaster buses. ...

Routemasters Currently in Service

The Victorian Eleanor Cross at Charing Cross The name Charing Cross, now given to a district of central London in the City of Westminster, comes from the original hamlet of Charing, where King Edward I placed a memorial to his wife, Eleanor of Castile. ... For other places with the same name, see Loughton (disambiguation). ...

Other uses

Aside from the London Heritage Routes, the last major operator of Routemasters in service in the UK, is in Edinburgh, Scotland. Local operator Lothian Buses tour operation Mac Tours^[21] uses a variety of closed and open top Routemasters on regular tour bus duties^[20]. Brick Lane is a street in the East End of London and heart of the citys Bangladeshi community. ... Lothian Buses Plc is the largest provider of bus services in Edinburgh, Scotland. ...

Several operators in the UK maintain Routemasters for private hire usage, with the majority held by the successors to the former London Bus units, Ensignbus, London Bus Company Ltd (formerly Blue Triangle) and Timebus Travel^[20]. Ensignbus was a Purfleet-based bus and coach dealer and bus operator that had expanded into open top tours and London tendered bus services in the mid-1980s with the deregulation of bus services. ... Blue Triangle is one of many operators of London Buses. ... Timebus Travel is a bus operator based just North of London, United Kingdom specializing only in heritage ex-London buses for private hire. ...

Many cities around the world have a Routemaster, or an older RT variant somewhere, often privately owned and used for many different purposes (from Preservation to Hot Dog stands, tour bus to shop). Routemasters can be found far from home in places such as Sri Lanka, Australia, China, Malaysia, even Fairbanks, Alaska. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 600 pixelsFull resolution (1076 Ã— 807 pixel, file size: 189 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Stagecoach owned London Routemaster bus in use in Montreal for tourists July 2006 I, the creator of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 600 pixelsFull resolution (1076 Ã— 807 pixel, file size: 189 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Stagecoach owned London Routemaster bus in use in Montreal for tourists July 2006 I, the creator of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute... Fairbanks is a city located in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, United States. ... For other uses, see Alaska (disambiguation). ...

A number of Stagecoach-owned Routemasters have been exported to Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where Stagecoach now provide a tourist service around the city. This is a unique case of London Routemasters being operated on a daily service in a foreign country by an original London Routemaster operator. Nickname: Motto: Concordia Salus (well-being through harmony) Coordinates: , Country Province Region MontrÃ©al Founded 1642 Established 1832 Government - Mayor GÃ©rald Tremblay Area [1][2][3] - City 365. ... This article is about the Canadian province. ...

Gold and Silver Jubilee Routemasters

With the Routemaster's longevity, there have been Routemaster buses painted to celebrate both the Queen's silver and golden jubilee, in 1977 and 2003, i.e. 25 and 50 years on the thrine respectively. 25 buses were painted Silver to celebrate the Silver Jubilee^[22], and out of 50 buses painted gold in London in 2003, 15 (12 RML, 3 RM) were Routemasters^[23]

A future Routemaster

Such is the popularity of the Routemaster that many calls continue to be made for a new version of the vehicle to be produced. Conservative Mayoral candidate for London, Boris Johnson, on 3 September 2007, announced that he was contemplating introducing a modern-day Routemaster bus (and scrapping bendy bus operation). As yet Londoners await firm proposals. Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson(born 19 June 1964, New York City)[2] is a British Conservative Party politician, journalist and former editor of The Spectator. ... is the 246th day of the year (247th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

Routemasters in preservation

Ensign

Several disposed of Routemasters were sold to preservation groups. Ensignbus, the bus dealer, handled disposals by the hundreds, as they also did for other London types. In December 2004, Ensignbus held a raffle for 32 Routemasters, available for £2,000 to those who could prove they had the finances to store and care for them^[24]. Ensignbus has since opened a transport museum which contains several preserved examples^[25]. Ensignbus was a Purfleet-based bus and coach dealer and bus operator that had expanded into open top tours and London tendered bus services in the mid-1980s with the deregulation of bus services. ...

50th Anniversary

On 25th July 2004, in Finsbury Park, London, over 100 preserved Routemasters with various operators and museums were lined up, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first appearance of the Routemaster^[26]

Notable preserved Routemasters

Londons Transport Museum, formerly known as the London Transport Museum, is a museum which seeks to conserve and explain the transport heritage of London, the capital city of the United Kingdom. ... Londons Transport Museum, formerly known as the London Transport Museum, is a museum which seeks to conserve and explain the transport heritage of London, the capital city of the United Kingdom. ...

Contents

Novel design

Prototypes

Production

RM and RML class

RMC and RCL class

RMF and RMA class

London Transport heyday

Green Routemasters

Decline in London

Privatisation of London Buses

Life extensions

Colourful Routemasters

Final withdrawal from London

Timetable of withdrawal

The last day

Routemasters in use today

London Heritage routes

Routemasters Currently in Service

Other uses

Gold and Silver Jubilee Routemasters

A future Routemaster

Routemasters in preservation

Ensign

50th Anniversary

Notable preserved Routemasters

See also

External links

References

Contents

Novel design GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");

Prototypes

Production

RM and RML class

RMC and RCL class

RMF and RMA class

London Transport heyday

Green Routemasters

Decline in London

Privatisation of London Buses

Life extensions

Colourful Routemasters

Final withdrawal from London

Timetable of withdrawal

The last day

Routemasters in use today

London Heritage routes

Routemasters Currently in Service

Other uses

Gold and Silver Jubilee Routemasters

A future Routemaster

Routemasters in preservation

Ensign

50th Anniversary

Notable preserved Routemasters

See also

External links

References

Novel design