Last trip for Londons legendary double deckers
Merely two months before the 50th anniversary of its maiden voyage (8th of February 2006), the legendary red london buses, known as the Routemasters, will end their journey through the streets of London.Two heritage routes were opened in October, so it will still be possible to catch a a ride, but the regular routes will be gone.
The heritage routes will run from Trafalgar Square to Tower Hill, and Royal Albert Hall to Aldwych.
The legendary red double deckers have become an national icon equally important as the red telephone boxes, and the decision to close down the route has not gone by unnoticed.
Enthusiasts have fighted since the decision was made to clear out the diesel beefeaters to make space for modern buses, but on the 9th of December, their case is finally closed.
The Routemaster was the last bus to be designed by London Transport, and was the last open platform bus to be put into service in the city.
Built between 1958 and 1968, their life was destined to 17 years, but until last year, almost 1000 examples out of 2876 built still roamed the streets.
The Routemaster Association have announced that the last route, 159, will cease operations on 9th of December.
The last Routemaster will leave Marble Arch around 12.10 at bus stop L. No reservations, the early bird gets the worm!
For more information check out the Routemaster Association website at http://www.routemaster.org.uk/
This is the end, the only end, my friend. Rest in Peace, old red bulls.
