| AECs in service - UK and Ireland |
This page is intended to provide a register of where you can find, and travel on, AEC buses and coaches in service today. You can help by sending any information you have on AECs in service. If you like AEC buses, don't forget to add this page to your favourites and check it regularly. Hopefully there will be new information added frequently.
The list is in two parts. Firstly a list of AECs which are with operators who run public services, including the service details so you can check the travel opportunities. Secondly a summary of AECs (mainly Routemasters) in use with smaller operators for contracts and private hire.
Contributions to this page are welcomed: email your sighting to 
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Last updated: 20th October 2024. AECs in public service |
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| Place | Reg | Type | Notes |
| Devon Buckfastleigh |
ALD 872B | Routemaster | The South Devon Railway Trust's Scania powered Routemaster RM1872 were running a "rail replacement service" on certain days of the year when a special timetable is in operation (usually gala days). The operation was suspended throughout 2020 and 2021 and no mention of it is made on the new website, but RM1872 is still licensed. Updated August 2023. |
| East Sussex Brighton |
CUV 333C | Routemaster | Brighton Regency Tours use RML2333 on afternoon tea, champagne and gin tours of Brighton. Updated August 2023. |
| Essex Epping-Ongar |
See notes | Regent III Routemaster Swift |
Heritage buses from the London Bus Company fleet operate in conjunction with the Epping Ongar railway on all operating days. Route 339 Epping-Ongar-Brentwood is operated by "RT" AEC Regents and a Routemaster. "RTL" Leyland PD2s also appear at times. There are also some special event running days with additional bus routes in operatione. For details and times see http://www.eorailway.co.uk. For details of the LBC fleet see the entry for LBC below. Updated August 2023. |
| Hampshire Portsmouth |
793 UXA (WLT 994) | Routemaster | Local Haunts run RM994 on their guided tour of Portsmouth and Southsea, once a day on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (including August Bank Holiday Monday) during the Summer from June to September. It is also available for private hire. However the service is not operating during 2023 but is expected to resume in 2024. Updated August 2023. |
| Hertfordshire Knebworth |
MXX 419 | Regal IV | RF442 is privately preserved but is also is used at Knebworth House to shuttle visitors on a 2 mile circular route, from Fort Knebworth to the house and Barns Restaurant area. It runs at weekends and bank holidays during the season, Easter through to late September. It has been performing this role for many years and was still there in September 2018, but isn't used exclusively as a Leyland Leopard coach may also be used. Updated March 2019. |
| London Londoner Buses tourist route T15 |
202 UXJ (WLT 887) 357 CLT 583 CLT 650 DYE ALD 941B CUV 290C CUV 344C JJD 480D JJD 583D |
Routemasters |
Londoner Buses (which is part of the Transpora group) runs RML887, RM1583, RM1941 and RML2290 on route T15 operating between Picadilly Circus and Tower Hill. Guest vehicles from Londonbus 4 Hire (see below) also used are RM1357 (357 CLT), SRM3 (650 DYE), RML2344 (CUV 344C), RML2480 (JJD 480D) and RML2583 (JJD 583D). Ensignbus have supplied RCL2226 (CUV 226C), RT624 and RT8 as special extras, and Metroline open-top RM644 (WLT 644) has been used during the summer. Updated September 2024. RM1941 is one of the Marshall refurbished Routemasters that previously ran on TfL service 15H. For pictures of the previous TfL heritage services, see the special feature page on the heritage operation of routes 9 and 15. |
|
London, York, |
JSJ 746 (VLT 90) |
Routemasters | London Necrobus run night tours branded as Ghost Bus Tours, in London, Edinburgh and York. They are run with Routemasters including RM1101, RM1398, RM1666, RML2203, RML2343, RML2516, RML2528 and RML2624 in a black livery. RML2528 was formerly with Dreadnought of Alnwick and open-top RML2203 with Ensignbus. RML2596 was previously with Classic Routemasters of Surrey. The three former Lothian Buses Mac Tours extended open top Routemasters came via Premium Tours in December 2019. After a Covid-19 enforced break in 2020, the services are now running again on Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Updated July 2021. |
| London Afternoon Tea Bus Tour  |
JSJ 747 (VLT 84) |
Routemaster (RM84) Routemaster (RM191) Routemaster (RM909) Routemaster (RM1204) Routemaster (RM1735) Routemaster (RM1776) Routemaster (RM1790) Routemaster (RM1913) Routemaster (RML2404) Routemaster (RML2531) Routemaster (RML2546) Routemaster (RML2686) Routemaster (RML2750) |
Another variant of London bus tour is the Afternoon Tea tour, if you have a cool £45 to spend. It started in 2014 with RM191, which previously operated with Nippy Bus in Somerset, and joined by RM909 ex London Bus Company, RML2404 from Timebus and RML2546 which previously worked in Sunderland. RM1204, RM1735, RM1790 and RM1913 were added in 2017. RML2531 has "Chef's Bus - London Culinary Tours" branding for after dark duties. RM84 is a former Lothian Buses Mac Tours extended open topper acquired from Premium Tours in December 2019, now re-roofed (which may make it unique as the only closed top Routemaster of this length). RML2750 has been bought from presevation. Updated November 2024. |
| London Golden Tours |
JJD 454D JJD 539D |
Routemaster | Golden Tours are operating RML2454 and RML2539 on their version of an afternoon tea tour. Updated January 2025. |
| Northern Ireland Belfast |
JJD 560D | Routemaster | RML2560 is used by Allen's Tours on the Belfast City Tour on cold or rainy days. An open-top bus (not a Routemaster) is used on other days. |
| Scotland Edinburgh and Glasgow |
CUV 278C JJD 407D JJD 549D |
Routemasters | Red Bus Bistro are using RML2278, RML2407 and RML2549 on tea tours in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Updated March 2022. |
| Shropshire Shrewsbury/Ironbridge |
490 CLT | Routemaster | RMC1490 is used by Regional Transport on their Shrewsbury and Ironbridge tours during the summer. In 2022 these operated every Wednesday during the summer school holiday. Updated August 2022. |
| Wiltshire Salisbury Plain |
 |
Routemasters | For one day only in August of each year, Bath Bus Company organise a Routemaster service across Salisbury plain, centred on the abandoned village of Imber, using their own RM1978 and several guest Routemasters. The 2024 event was held on August 17th. See https://imberbus.org/ for details. Updated September 2024. |
| Ireland Dublin |
ZV 36920 (185 CLT) |
Routemasters | Dublin Cityscape were using Routemasters RM1185, RM316, RML2623, RM978 and RML2485 on a sightseeing tour of Dublin. RM1989 (ALM 989B) is owned but not in service. The last given website is now inaccessible and it is possible the service is no longer running. Updated July 2021. |
| Ireland Dublin |
ZV 10903 (WLT 811) ZV 11165 (ALM 78B) ZV 12589 (WLT 654) |
Routemaster (RM811) Routemaster (RM2078) Routemaster (RM654) |
Routemasters RM811, RM2078 and RM654 are running Vintage Tea Trips tours of Dublin and Cork. Updated May 2023. |
| Malta | MHY 001 (DBY 381) MHY 003 (FBY 730) MHY 017 (DBY 308) |
AEC Mercury AEC Mercury AEC Mercury |
The three AEC Mercurys are among 21 former yellow route buses that are being refurbished and operated on pre-booked tours by the Malta Bus Co-op. The tours are currently operating. Updated July 2021. |
AECs in contract and private hire fleets
| Operator and location | Reg | Type | Status | Date of last rep. | Notes |
| Berkshire Big Red Bus, Reading, Berkshire | VLT 188 462 CLT ALD 977B CUV 208C |
Routemaster (RM188) Routemaster (RMC1462) Routemaster (RML1977) Routemaster (RM2208) |
in service / preserved in service in service in service / preserved |
10/2024 10/2024 10/2024 10/2024 |
For wedding and private hire use. RM188 and RM2208 are owned by preservationists but may still be available for use. An open-top Leyland Atlantean is also owned. |
| AlphaBus, Soulbury, Bucks and Towcester, Northants |
MXX 481 CUV 106C SMK 674F SMK 700F |
Regal IV (RF504) Routemaster (RM2106) Routemaster (RML2674) Routemaster (RML2700) |
in service in service in service in service |
10/2016 |
Available for wedding and private hires. Also used at running days. RML2700 is ex Memory Lane. RF504 was bought from preservation and is painted gold. |
| Countrywide, Princes Risborough, Bucks | 783 DYE 214 CLT JJD 532D |
Routemaster open-top (RM1783) Routemaster (RM1214) Routemaster (RML2532) |
in service for wedding/private hire in service for wedding/private hire in service for wedding/private hire |
9/2023 9/2023 9/2022 |
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| Vintage Red Bus, Cryers Hill, Bucks | MXX 489 TAS 466 (WLT 883) CUV 335C JJD 508D |
Regal IV (RF512) Routemaster (RML883) Routemaster (RML2335) Routemaster (RML2508) |
in service - private hire in service - private hire in service - private hire in service - private hire |
2/2023 5/2023 6/2023 6/2023 |
RF512 and RML2335 were bought from Thisbus.com. |
Imperial Bus Company t/a London Routemaster Bus Company, Wisbech, Cambs |
JXC 149 641 DYE 254 CLT CUV 239C NMY 632E MLL 528 (MLL 589) |
Regent III (RT786) Routemaster (RM1641) Routemaster (RMF1254) Routemaster (RCL2239) Routemaster (RMA49) Regal IV (RF202) |
in service (semi preserved) in service (semi preserved) in service (semi preserved) in service (semi preserved) in service (semi preserved) in service (semi preserved) |
8/2021 8/2015 9/2018 11/2019 8/2015 8/2015 |
This is the former heritage fleet of Imperial Buses, Rainham, now based at Wisbech (the OC at Outwell is just into Norfolk). An RTL Leyland Titan is also owned. All vehicles are owned and preserved by the proprietors, but can be hired to the operating company for use as wedding and private hire vehicles as required. RT2905 (MLL 652) is also owned but not available for service. |
| Stagecoach North West, Cumbria | NML 657E SMK 671F |
Routemaster (RML2657) Routemaster (RML2671) |
reserve (Kendal) in service (Kendal)
|
4/2018 4/2018 |
RML2671 is a special events vehicle at Kendal. RML2657 transferred from Cheltenham & Gloucester in 2018. |
| Vallance Coaches, Kirby-in-Ashfield, Cumbria | UTC 672 | Regent III | acquired | 6/2022 | The ex Bamber Bridge Motor Services Regent has joined this fleet from nearby Cumbria Classic during 2022. |
| Midland Classic Coaches, Church Gresley, Derbyshire | 798 UXA (168 CLT) | Routemaster (RM1168) | in service | 11/2019 | Used for wedding hires and tours. |
| South Devon Rail Road Services, Paignton, Devon | ALD 872B | Routemaster (RM1872) | in service for private hire | 11/2019 | Also used on services in connection with the South Devon Railway. Acquired from the Ron Greet collection |
| Route 24 Buses, Bournemouth, Dorset | VLT 24 | Routemaster (RM24) | in service for private hire and weddings | 11/2019 | Still AEC engined and in original condition |
| Romeround, Bournemouth, Dorset | CUV 186C | Routemaster (RM2186) | in service for private hire | 9/2019 | |
| Shaftesbury & District, Shaftesbury, Dorset | 654 DYE OLD 564 MXX 398 |
Routemaster (RM1654) Regent III (RT4777) Regal IV (RF421) |
in service for private hire in service for private hire in service for private hire |
1/2020 |
All in service for private hire and weddings. Also used at rallies and running days. |
| Chariots, Ringmer, East Sussex | JJD 468D | Routemaster (RML2468) | acquired | 2/2020 | |
|
Ensign Heritage, Purfleet, |
FXT 183 |
Regent III (RT8) |
preserved/special duties |
2/2023 12/2023 6/2022 12/2023 12/2023 12/2023 3/2023 12/2019 12/2023 11/2022 9/2022 12/2023 12/2023 12/2023 12/2023 12/2023 3/2023 12/2022 11/2023 2/2024 12/2023 12/2023 12/2023 12/2023 3/2023 3/2023 3/2023 |
Ensign Heritage (now separate from the FirstGroup owned Ensingbus operation) maintain a fleet of ex London AECs in their heritage, private hire and special duties fleets. In addition to private hire and wedding duties they also appear at running days, special operating days and in exceptional situations such as London Buses service extras during tube/rail strikes (on which RT4421 was photographed in April 2014, RM1361 and RCL2226 in August 2015, RM1843 and RMLs 2405 and 2734 in January 2017). |
| Business B (The Expeditional), North Weald, Essex |
HSL 660 (WLT 981) |
Routemaster open-top (RM891) Routemaster (RM1280) Routemaster (RM1797) Routemaster (RML2472) Routemaster (RML2649) Routemaster (RML2697) Routemaster (RML2733) |
in service - private hire acquired in service - private hire acquired in service - private hire in service - private hire in service - private hire |
12/2021 7/2023 12/2021 5/2023 12/2021 12/2021 12/2021 |
Routemaster coach RMC1496 (496 CLT) is also owned. RML2472 is pictured when with former owner Go-coach Hire. |
| Layer Marney Transport, Layer Marney, Essex | JJD 398D | Routemaster (RML2398) | wedding/private hire | 6/2019 | |
| Belle Vue, Heaton Chapel, Greater Manchester | JJD 535D | Routemaster (RML2535) | acquired | 8/2022 | |
| Manchester Bus Tours, Manchester, Greater Manchester | 583 CLT | Routemaster (RM1583) | wedding/private hire | 7/2020 | The company don't currently run a tour but the Routemaster is available for weddings and private hire. |
| RM Buses, Wigan, Greater Manchester | JJD 515D SMK 701F |
Routemaster (RML2515) Routemaster (RML2701) |
preserved/special events in service for private hire |
6/2019 8/2019 |
RML2515 was bought from Routemaster Buses and is still based at Crewe Heritage Centre |
| Cresta Coaches, Fareham, Hampshire | EBM 459T | Reliance coach | in service | 4/2023 | Semi-preserved but is used on contracts as required. |
| Timebus Travel, St. Albans, Hertfordshire |
MXX 223 |
Regent, ex RLH23 Regal IV, ex RF491 Routemaster (RM29) Routemaster open-top (RM450) Routemaster open-top (RM479) Routemaster (RCL2221) Routemaster (RML2263) Routemaster (RML2310) Routemaster (RML2389) Routemaster (RML2442) Routemaster (RML2527) Routemaster (ex BEA RMA37 Routemaster (ex BEA RMA9) |
in service in service in service in service in service in service in service in service in service in service in service in service in service |
2/2018 2/2018 8/2021 3/2019 6/2023 8/2018 8/2021 7/2019 3/2019 11/2019 4/2024 8/2023 11/2019 |
All in service vehicles are available for private hire. RM450 has been fitted with a wheelchair lift. RM29 was pictured on a TfL service extra duirng a London Underground strike. Also owned is former RLH44 last used as a uniform store, RLH32 (both preserved and rallied), RLH29 (undergoing rebuild), and a Leyland Tiger PS1, JXC 282 (TD89) which was returned to service in 2021. |
| Routemaster Hire, Welham Green, Hertfordshire | JJD 374D JJD 390D JJD 548D |
Routemaster (RML2374) Routemaster (RML2390) Routemaster (RML2548) |
in service in service in service |
5/2023 5/2019 1/2019 |
For weddings and private hire. |
| Sullivan, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire/London | 69 CLT CUV 272C JJD 428D |
Routemaster (RM1069) |
in service (LT red livery) in service (1980s livery) in service (Lincoln green) |
9/2018 |
In the heritage fleet for promotional work and hires. A Regent (RT1107) is also owned but not in service. RML2272 has made a guest appearance on route 84. |
| Autocar, Five Oak Green, Kent | 123 CLT ALM 11B 677 DYE (WLT 752) WLT 951 MXX 472 |
Routemaster (RM1123) Routemaster (RM2011) Routemaster open-top (RM752) Routemaster (RM951) Regal IV (RF495/RF592) |
unlicensed, last used in 2013 unlicensed, stored since 2012 unlicensed, last used in 2016 unlicensed, last used in 2015 stored since acquisition in 2012 |
12/2019 12/2019 12/2019 12/2019 12/2019 |
Three Routemasters were used for private hire operation, but it appears to have ceased. RM951 was brought back from a Florida theme park and RF495 bought from preservation in 2012 currently with the identity of green RF592. RM752 carried the registration number EAS 543 before acquiring the registration of former RM1677. |
| Gould, Aldington, Kent | MLL 738 | Regal IV coach | available for private hire | 7/2021 | Preserved but to full class VI MOT standard, Roy Gould's former BEA AEC Regal coach is available for hire through other local heritage operators. |
| Go-coach Hire, Swanley, Kent | SMK 699F | Routemaster (RML2699) | in service | 12/2022 | Also run some summer services to Knole House near Sevenoaks. |
| Waymour Bus Hire t/a London Retro Bus Hire, Northfleet, Kent | 865 UXC (WLT 385) 63 CLT SMK 679F SMK 702F SMK 732F AML 97H |
Routemaster (RM385) Routemaster (RM1063) Routemaster (RML2679) Routemaster (RML2702) Routemaster (RML2732) Swift (SMS97) |
in service in service in service in servive in service unlicensed, last seen in 9/2018 |
12/2018 4/2024 7/2018 12/2019 5/2019 9/2024 |
Ex London Transport Swift and Routemasters for private hires and weddings. RML2702 is in cream livery. RF489 was acquired in 2015 but seems to have been sold again for preservation. |
| Brian Jones Coaches, Gravesend, Kent | 255 UXO (WLT 888) CUV 322C |
Routemaster (RML888) Routemaster (RML2322) |
in service for private hire in service for private hire |
8/2019 8/2019 |
Acquired from Redroute Buses |
| YMS, Canterbury, Kent | SMK 751F | Routemaster (RML2751) | in service | 6/2018 | Wedding/private hire. |
| Traditional Travel, Bromley, Kent/London | 87 CLT CUV 301C JJD 380D JJD 414D JJD 483D |
Routemaster open-top (1087) Routemaster (RML2301) Routemaster (RML2380) Routemaster (RML2143) Routemaster (RML2834) |
in service |
5/2023 5/2019 7/2019 7/2019 5/2019 |
All available for wedding and private hire. |
| London Vintage Bus Hire Ltd t/a The London Bus Company Kent/London     |
Operational fleet Preserved/others |
|
|
|
The company has operating centres at Northfleet and the Epping Ongar Railway. The operational RFs, RTs, RMs and SM1 operate on the Epping Ongar Railway services during the summer. Operational double deckers (including Leyland Titan KGK 575, which looks like an RT) form the Private Hire / Wedding fleet, and occasionally run service extras on hire to Transport for London during tube and DLR strikes (on which RML900 is pictured in March 2018). Operational and active preserved vehicles also appear at running days and rallies. They can also be seen at film set locations, often in the Blackfriars area. Other former LT vehicles of non-AEC types are also owned, in the preserved and operational fleets. CRL4 is the prototype Routemaster coach. RF136 is preserved in cream livery. 'PVA 019', 'PVA 021' and 'PVA 026' are three of the RTs repatriated from Abegweit (Prince Edward Island) Tours, Canada. They are currently stored unregistered and will not have those registrations in the UK. Others got their original UK registrations back. RM6, RM1124, RMC1453, RMC1464, RML2217 and RML2360 are ex Arriva London's heritage fleet. RM6, RMC1453, RMC1464 and RML2360 were all pictured while with Arriva London. Preserved RMC1513 has been repainted into London Country NBC green livery. RM659 (KFF 239 ex WLT 659) and RM1145 (LDS 402A ex 145 CLT) are in dealer stock for sale. RM85, RM1979, RML2348, RML2556, RML2621, RML2713 and RML2729 were acquired from Premium Tours in 2023. Updated March 2024. |
| Catch 22 Bus, Blackpool. Lancashire weddingbuses.co.uk |
202 UXJ (WLT 887) CUV 290C |
Routemaster (RML887) Routemaster (RML2290) |
in service in service |
7/2018 10/2019 |
In use for Wedding Hire and Private Hire. A Chester tour was operated in 2018. |
| Arriva London, London |
CUV 217C
|
Routemaster |
for special events |
11/2019 4/2022 7/2019 |
RM2217 and RMC1453/64 are in the Arriva London heritage fleet. The last standard length RM built, RM2217 ran the official "last Routemaster" journey on the 159. They often appear at rallies: RMC1453 is pictured at the Detling rally in April 2022, RMC1464 at Detling in April 2011. |
London Central and London General (Go-Ahead London), London |
VLT 9 WLT 516 (CUV 283C) CUV 305C CUV 318C NML 604E |
Routemaster Routemaster Routemaster Routemaster open-top Routemaster |
for private hire and special events for special events for special events for special events for special events |
4/2022 3/2020 7/2019 8/2019 3/2020 |
RM9, DRM2516 (ex RML2283). RML2305, RML2604 and open-top RML2318 are in the commercial fleet for special events. WLT 516 is the former RML2283 with the platform doors and registration number from an earlier vehicle numbered DRM2516. |
| London United, London | WLT 880 | Routemaster (RML880) | for private hire and special events | 4/2022 | The first RML, now back in red following a spell in special livery as ER880. |
| Metroline, London | WLT 644 WLT 903 |
Routemaster open-top (RM644) Routemaster (RM903) |
for private hire for special events |
10/2018 6/2022 |
RM644 is an open-top hire vehicle. RM903 retains AEC engine and original tungsten lights and appears at rallies as well as special events |
| CBM Vehicle Services, Red Bus Events, Croydon, London | WLT 545 WLT 898 |
Routemaster (RM545) Routemaster (RML898) |
in service for private hire in service for private hire |
11/2019 4/2022 |
Also attend rallies and RM545 was pictured in August 2015 helping out on Tube strike extras. RML898 has its original AEC engine. |
redroutemaster.com, Brentford, London |
86 CLT CUV 323C JJD 366D JJD 504D NMY 655E SMK 682F SMK 683F SMK 744F |
Routemaster (RM1086) Routemaster (RML2323) Routemaster (RML2366) Routemaster (RML2504) Routemaster (RMA58) Routemaster (RML2682) Routemaster (RML2683) Routemaster (RML2744) |
under restoration in service in service in service in service in service in service stored |
2/2016 8/2019 1/2019 10/2021 7/2019 11/2019 9/2019 9/2020 |
In service for private hire and film work. Also used during Tube/DLR strikes, on which RML2682 is pictured. RMA58 is a former BEA model that previously ran with Ensignbus. RML2323 was previously preserved in green livery. Some Volvo B7TLs are also owned for work requiring PSVAR vehicles. |
| Rent A Routemaster, Ruislip, London | 840 DYE JJD 455D MXX 8 |
Routemaster (RM1840) Routemaster (RML2455) Regal (IV (RF366) |
in service in service in service |
9/2017 10/2019 3/2019 |
For wedding and private hires. RF366 was acquired from preservation. |
| Smartguide Travel (PHBus), Wembley, London | BNK 324A (568 CLT) JJD 524D |
Routemaster (RM1568) Routemaster (RML2524) |
withdrawn from service withdrawn from service |
6/2020 6/2020 |
RM1568 acquired from Classic Bus North West. Both for sale on eBay in June 2020. |
| Aintree Coachlines, Maghull, Merseyside | 201 UZJ (97 CLT) | Routemaster (RM1097) | heritage vehicle | 2/2023 | |
| Peoplesbus, Liverpool, Merseyside | XVS 830 (VLT 180) | Routemaster (RM180) | in service - private hire | 6/2018 | in use for weddings and private hire |
| Norfolk Vintage Bus Hire, East Harling, Norfolk | JJD 401D | Routemaster (RML2401) | in service - private hire | 8/2024 | In use for weddings and private hire. Was formerly with Awaydays. A Guy Special, GS17, is also owned. |
| Carters Travel, Great Addington, Northants | CUV 273C | Routemaster (RM2273) | in service - private hire | 5/2023 | in use for weddings and private hire |
| Poynters Coaches, Northampton, Northants | CUV 271C | Routemaster (RM2271) | acquired | 6/2023 | |
| Henry Cooper Coaches, Cramlington, Northumberland | MFF 580 (WLT 931) 218 CLT 562 CLT 640 DYE |
Routemaster (RM931) Routemaster (RM1218) Routemaster (RM1562) Routemaster (RM1640) |
in service - private hire in service - private hire in service - private hire in service - private hire |
6/2019 8/2017 5/2016 8/2017 |
RMs1218, 1562, 1640 acquired from TfL in 2015 after route 9H ceased operation. |
| London Bus Hire Nottingham (Blackmore Commercials), Nottingham, Nottinghamshire | SSL 806 (VLT 121) JSJ 797 (174 CLT) ALM 33B NML 619E |
Routemaster (RM121) Routemaster (RM1174) Routemaster (RM2033) Routemaster (RML2619) |
in service in service in service in service |
9/2019 |
all available for private and wedding hire |
| Tiger European, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire | JJD 430D | Routemaster (RML2430) | in service | 8/2019 | Acquired from Nostalgia Travel, Oxford, in 2019. |
| The School Bus Company, North Hinksey, Oxon |
KGJ 117A (528 CLT) |
Routemaster (RM1528) | status unknown | 6/2019 | RM1528 passed from Nostalgia Travel to parent company The School Bus Company in 2019 but is no longer advertised for hire. |
| Shuttle Buses, Kilwinning, Scotland | TKC 833T (875 YYA, DKC 359T) | Reliance/Plaxton |
in service |
4/2018 | Re-entered service in 2016 after four years, and available for school contracts and private hires |
Edinburgh Bus Tours and Lothian Motorcoaches, Lothian, Scotland |
VLT 163 VLT 235 VLT 237 VLT 242 VLT 281 CUV 241C CUC 248C |
Routemaster open-top (RM163) Routemaster open-top (RM235) Routemaster (RM237) Routemaster (RM242) Routemaster (RM281) Routemaster (RCL2241) Routemaster (RCL2248) |
unlicensed unlicensed unlicensed private hire/special events private hire/special events unlicensed unlicensed |
7/2021 |
Five of the former Mac Tours open-top or part open-top Routemasters were transferred to the Lothian/EBT heritage fleet and are being refurbished. RM237/42/81 have been reroofed. |
| The Red Bus, Lothian, Scotland | WLT 737 WLT 875 353 CLT |
Routemaster (RM737) Routemaster (RM875) Routemaster (RM1353) |
in service in service in service |
12/2019 10/2020 7/2019 |
For wedding and private hire in Edinburgh and Dunfermline areas. |
| Regional Transport, Shrewsbury, Shropshire | 490 CLT | Routemaster (RMC1490) | in service | 8/2019 | For wedding and private hire, acquired from Routemaster Buses. |
| Bath Bus Company, Bath, Somerset | ALD 978B SMK 665F |
Routemaster (RM1978) Routemaster (RML2665) |
private hire/special events private hire/special events |
8/2019 8/2019 |
Sometimes used on Glastonbury shuttles. Bath Bus Company also organise the annual Imberbus Routemaster event, see above. |
| Big Red Bus (Letts), Milborne Port, Somerset | NMY 662E |
Routemaster |
no longer available for private hire, but can be hired for catering and publicity purposes |
7/2018 | Former BEA front entrance Routemasters. Sister NMY 665E is withdrawn but still owned. |
| 1950s Vintage Bus Hire, Surrey/West Sussex | LUC 291 NLE 644 |
Regent III (RT2043) Regal IV (RF644) |
in service in service |
8/2024 8/2024 |
For wedding and private hires. |
| Brighton & Hove, Brighton, E. Sussex | CUV 317C | Routemaster (RML2317) | in service | 10/2019 | used for private hire and special events |
| Vicky's Coaches, Colwyn Bay, North Wales | WLT 999 (WVS 423) | Routemaster (RM999) | acquired | 10/2019 | Acquired from nearby Routemaster999 of Llandudno, with whom it was pictured. |
| Routemaster4hire, Wrexham, North Wales | WLT 765 CUV 213C CUV 344C |
Routemaster (RM765) Routemaster (RM2213) Routemaster (RML2344) |
in service for private hire in service for private hire in service for private hire |
5/2021 5/2021 6/2023 |
|
| Barkers Motors, Wrexham, North Wales | JJD 451D | Routemaster (RML2451) | private/wedding hire | 8/2023 | |
| LondonBus4Hire, Monmouthshire, South Wales and Wandsworth, London |
XFF 814 (WLT 890) |
Routemaster (RML890) Routemaster (RM1357) Routemaster (RM1650/SRM3) Routemaster (RML2267) Routemaster (RML2344) Routemaster (RML2480) Routemaster (RML2583) |
out of service in service for private hire in service for private hire in service for private hire in service for private hire in service for private hire in service for private hire |
3/2021 5/2024 5/2024 2/2021 5/2024 2/2024 11/2023 |
Vehicles are sometimes hired to Londoner Buses for operation on the tourist service T15. RM1357, SRM3 and RML2344 were in use there in April/May 2024 and RML2583 in December 2023. |
| Midland Red South (Stagecoach Midlands), Stratford and Rugby, Warwickshire | JJD 565D SMK 738F |
Routemaster (RML2565) Routemaster (RML2738) |
in service for private hire in service for private hire |
6/2020 6/2019 |
RML2565 acquired with takeover of Stratford Blue from Ensign. In SB livery and also used for special events. RML2738 based at Rugby. |
| Central Buses, Birmingham, West Midlands | JJD 411D CUV 220C |
Routemaster (RML2411) Routemaster (RCL2220) |
private/wedding hire private/wedding hire |
1/2020 7/2015 |
RCL2220 is convertable open-top, and acquired from Stephensons of Rochford in 2014. |
| Southern Transit, Beeding, West Sussex | VLT 116 CUV 179C SMK 660F |
Routemaster (RM116) Routemaster (RM2179) Routemaster (RML2660) |
preserved/special events private hire/special events private hire/special events |
11/2021 12/2023 3/2024 |
RM116 was acquired from preservation and has hydraulic suspension. RM2179 and RML2660 are regularly used for private hire and weddings. RML2742 (SMK 742F) is also owned but is stored in poor condition. |
| Wilfreda Beehive, Doncaster, S. Yorkshire | CUV 280C | Routemaster (RML2280) | in service | 6/2022 | |
| York Pullman, York, Yorkshire | 792 UXA (WLT 787) MFF 578 (WLT 329) |
Routemaster open-top (RM787) Routemaster (RM329) |
in service in service |
8/2022 9/2023 |
for private hire and weddings |
| Red Bus Days, Keighley, West Yorkshire | JJD 475D KGJ 603D |
Routemaster (RML2475) Routemaster (ex BEA) |
in service in service |
5/2024 3/2019 |
For private hire and weddings. KGJ bought from Shaftesbury & District, who had lengthened it and fitted a central staircase, numbered RME1. |
| KBMT, Keighley, West Yorkshire | XYJ 418 (WLT 736) | Routemaster (RM736) | private hire/special events | 6/2024 | for private hire and weddings, and museum open days |
Acknowledgements:
Thank you to all the people who have contributed information to this page. For data privacy reasons I no longer list you all by name, as it is too much trouble to maintain a register of your consent to do so. You know who you are, and you know that I'm grateful!