What is a Routemaster?
For a fleet list click here.
Routemaster – THE London Bus.
How many people have heard of a Dennis Dart? A Titan, Trident or Gemini? What about an Enviro or Citaro? Perhaps a few, not many, but everyone has heard of the Routemaster. No other bus can boast being known by name worldwide. Why? The Design. The Routemaster was the last bus to be designed for London, by London. The Routemaster was way ahead of its time, incorporating such luxuries as power steering and heating, and having lasted for more than 50 years in service it has lived up to its iconic status.
How to ride: Routemaster Etiquette
Make a clear signal to the driver that you wish to board. Once stopped by the bus stop, board the bus quickly and sit down, letting other passengers alight first – fares will be taken later. Do not stand on the platform at any time while the bus is in motion. The conductor will then come to your seat and check your pass or ticket. The conductor will also be happy to assist you with directions and which stop you need to reach your destination. Once you wish to alight, pull the bell cord ONCE, or signal to the conductor. Do NOT alight at traffic lights or while the bus is moving, but wait until it has safely stopped at the bus stop.
Ding Ding!
The bell is an important way for the conductor to communicate with their driver, essential for the smooth running of your service.
One ring means the driver must stop at the next stop.
Two rings means the driver can leave a stop, if stationary, or continue past a stop without stopping.
Three rings means full bus, do not stop at any stops to pick up passengers.
Any more and the driver will be alerted that his conductor is in need of assistance.
For a fleet list click here.
Routemaster – THE London Bus.
How many people have heard of a Dennis Dart? A Titan, Trident or Gemini? What about an Enviro or Citaro? Perhaps a few, not many, but everyone has heard of the Routemaster. No other bus can boast being known by name worldwide. Why? The Design. The Routemaster was the last bus to be designed for London, by London. The Routemaster was way ahead of its time, incorporating such luxuries as power steering and heating, and having lasted for more than 50 years in service it has lived up to its iconic status.
How to ride: Routemaster Etiquette
Make a clear signal to the driver that you wish to board. Once stopped by the bus stop, board the bus quickly and sit down, letting other passengers alight first – fares will be taken later. Do not stand on the platform at any time while the bus is in motion. The conductor will then come to your seat and check your pass or ticket. The conductor will also be happy to assist you with directions and which stop you need to reach your destination. Once you wish to alight, pull the bell cord ONCE, or signal to the conductor. Do NOT alight at traffic lights or while the bus is moving, but wait until it has safely stopped at the bus stop.
Ding Ding!
The bell is an important way for the conductor to communicate with their driver, essential for the smooth running of your service.
One ring means the driver must stop at the next stop.
Two rings means the driver can leave a stop, if stationary, or continue past a stop without stopping.
Three rings means full bus, do not stop at any stops to pick up passengers.
Any more and the driver will be alerted that his conductor is in need of assistance.
Routemaster Variations
There have been many different types and variations of the Routemaster:
There have been many different types and variations of the Routemaster:
RM
RML RMC RCL RMF RMF RMA FRM |
The Standard Routemaster
The Lengthened Routemaster: The standard RM was cut in the middle and a 2ft 4inches bay was added which created 8 extra seats at a total length of 30ft. Green Line Coach Routemaster: The Basic RM with a few extras for longer journeys. Painted green the only other external difference was the twin headlamps. This version had doors, and inside were luggage racks, and more comfortable seats. Extended Green Line Coach Routemaster: Just like the Green Line RM, but lengthened like the RML. Front Entrance Routemaster (RMF1254): RML but with front entrance and doors – able to be one man operated, with the driver turning 90 degrees. This was used as a demonstrator to show how the basic RM design could be modified. Northern General RMFs The only RMs outside London, they were cosmetically different with sliding windows and fluorescent lights. 72 seats (41 down and 31 up). BEA Airport Routemaster: These were standard length, (27ft 6inches) as they carried a luggage trailer, which carried passengers from London to Heathrow. Front Entrance (Rear Engine) Routemaster: Using 60% of the same parts as the Standard Routemaster, this rear engine example maintained the same curves as its predecessor, along with the love of the drivers and public. Perhaps if the ‘politics’ had worked differently London’s Bus Fleet may be very different today. Facts and Figures Source: Routemaster Association (link) |
1958 to 1965
1965 to 1968 1962 1965 1962 1964 - 1965 1966 to 1967 1966 |
2120 produced
524 produced 68 produced 34 produced 1 produced 50 produced 65 produced 1 produced |