Routemasters Bow Out

There’s little that hasn’t already been said ad absurdum about the demise of the London Routemaster. With every passing week, there seems to be another article or book with a new take on the subject.

So, there’s nothing particularly we wish to add, other than to record that today was the last day of full, *standard* Routemaster service in London, on Arriva's 159. Tomorrow sees all sorts of guest vehicles on special services and by the 1210 ex-Marble Arch on Friday, the change over from RM to low floor double deck VLA is scheduled for completion.

With the conversion of the 159, that’s that. New heritage services 9 (First) & 15 (Stagecoach) continue, of course, but these are something completely different from regular revenue earning and useful passenger services. Heck, they start after 0930.

What was noticeable about the day was the number of photographers, many just "ordinary" people. And this was before the events scheduled for tomorrow. The world’s most famous bus will clearly be missed, even if you have to forgive the RM for looking rather tired both inside and out (in spite of some significant refurbishments). Rightly or wrongly, after some 50 years, accessibility, health & safety, staff costs and plain old age have killed off the legend.

For a different take on iconic London transport, try But is it Art?

Tomorrow: what other model might challenge the RM for the title most famous double deck?