Do Routemasters Still Run in London?

By Alice Nichols

If you’ve ever visited London or lived there, you might have noticed red double-decker buses that are often associated with the city. One of the most iconic buses in London is the Routemaster, which has become a symbol of the city’s transport history.

But do Routemasters still run in London? Let’s explore.

What is a Routemaster?

A Routemaster is an old-school double-decker bus that was designed and built by AEC and Park Royal Vehicles in the 1950s. It was first introduced in 1954 and quickly became a popular mode of transport in London. The Routemaster was known for its unique features such as an open platform at the back, allowing passengers to hop on and off easily.

The Decline of the Routemaster

As time passed, newer buses were introduced with more modern features that made them more efficient and comfortable for passengers. The final Routemaster bus was withdrawn from regular service in 2005, marking an end to its era.

The Return of the Routemaster

Despite being withdrawn from regular service, some Routemasters have been preserved as heritage vehicles and can be seen running on special routes or hired for events like weddings or parties.

The Heritage Route

The Heritage Route 15H runs between Trafalgar Square and Tower Hill using vintage Routemasters that were refurbished to their original condition. Passengers can experience what it was like to travel on a bus from decades ago while enjoying some of London’s iconic landmarks along the way.

The New Routemaster

In 2010, Transport for London launched a new version of the iconic bus called the New Routemaster or Borismaster named after the then-mayor of London, Boris Johnson. The new bus was designed to be more efficient and eco-friendly while retaining some of the classic features of the original bus. The new bus has a hop-on, hop-off platform like the original, but it also has air conditioning and low-level flooring for easier access.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the original Routemaster is no longer in regular service in London, it still holds a special place in the city’s transport history. You can still catch glimpses of these iconic red buses on special routes or at events. The new Routemaster is a modern take on the classic bus and offers passengers a chance to experience some of its unique features while enjoying modern comforts.