Why do I still see the Routemaster bus when they’re not meant to be in service anymore?

Question

If Londoners celebrated the phasing out of the Routemaster buses over the summer, why do a still see them going down the Strand?

What is a Heritage route?

Answer 1

Its a special heritage route brought back through popular demand. They run through central London on a shortened branch of route 9 and route 15. They can be used just as you would use normal buses on the route, and payed for it the same way that you would pay for a normal bus ticket. (In response to the question above, they are on general public routes 9 and 15, its just that they don't travel the full route that the modern no 9 and 15 buses do.)

Check my sources for more details.

Answer 2

The Routemaster buses may have gone officially out of service. But when buses that are used on other routes, the Routemaster buses are brought back into 'active' service to make sure there is no break in the service.

It's like that with every bus company/service. In the last few weeks I saw a VERY old bus - if it had been a few years older a starting handle would have been needed to start it - being brought back into active service when a newer bus had broken down.

Answer 3

They are now used on the Heritage Route (mostly for tourists who come to London and expect to see the Old Red London Buses - the route goes from Royal Albert Hall, through Knightsbridge, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, The Strand to Aldwych (and back!!)

Answer 4

They run on "Heritage Routes" but not general public service routes.

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Yep,
Montgomery B is very correct.
They pass my office all the time.
I'm sure the TFL site will have more info.

Answer 5

alot of the old buses are coming back into service. that is why you still see it around.

Answer 6

You've seen the ghost bus too? Thank god I thought it was just me.

Answer 7

ask the right person
... not here, i mean..., what kind of answer can you get from around here..

Answer 8

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