the Bus

A 1961 Routemaster, the traditional ‘hop-on hop-off’ London bus, has been purchased in pristine condition. It is by far the best option, due to its reliability, simple mechanics and impressive ground clearance. It is unmistakably unique in character, and its reliability is borne-out in the fact that Routemasters are still in active service for London Transport today.

Having been purchased, the bus (with a new Scania engine) needs to be customised (including creating berths, sanitary facilities and improving security), a task being currently undertaken.

the History

Routemasters were constructed in the 1960’s to carry passengers around the London metropolitan area, and have since become symbolic of London. They are almost iconic of an era that is about to come an end, as The Mayor of London has decommissioned all Routemasters from the streets of London in favour of modern, custom-built vehicles more appropriate for today’s society.

AEC RML 886 was constructed in 1961, and first licensed on 1st November 1961. She paraded the streets of London for over 40 years, continuing active service until just last year, when she was retired.

She was licensed to carry 77 people: 40 seated upstairs, 32 seated downstairs, and 5 left standing near the platform area. Over the years the vehicle has transported hundreds of thousands of passengers hundreds of thousands of miles. She has functioned come rain or shine, wind or snow, travelling incessantly at her customary 38mph from stop to stop. So why not London to Cape Town?!!!

why a Routemaster?

• Reliability – as alluded to above, Routemasters continue active service for London Transport some 40 years after first being commissioned; today’s cars are built with an active life of 10 years in mind

• Impressive Ground Clearance – the Routemaster has the greatest ground clearance of any bus still in active service. Newer buses have a far lower entry point compared to the platform of a Routemaster, which is well over a foot from the ground

• Simple engine - within the last two years a new 6 cylinder, 9000 cc Scania engine has been installed.

• Size – such a large vehicle will enable an almost luxurious degree of travel!

• Unique character - a Routemaster is simply unmistakable

• Why the hell not – as far we can tell, a trip of this magnitude has never previously been undertaken. The closest we have found involved travelling on motorbike or by VW camper van, far less classy, I’m sure you’ll agree?

the Modifications

The Routemaster contains 72 seats, approximately 69 more than will be needed.