| AECs in service |
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: 3rd November 2018. AECs in public service |
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| Place | Reg | Type | Notes |
| Cumbria Kirkby Stephen |
JTB 749 |
Regal III Regent III |
Cumbria Classic Coaces have been running 1948 Burlingham bodied Regal III JTB 749 on service 569 from Kirkby Stephen to Hawes and on private hire jobs since 2003. The ex Bamber Bridge Motor Services Regent joined the fleet from private preservation in 2009. Cumbria classic are an enthusiast friendly company and welcome visits. For more information visit www.cumbriaclassiccoaches.co.uk. Updated May 2018. |
| Devon Buckfastleigh |
ALD 872B | Routemaster | The South Devon Railway Trust's Scania powered Routemaster RM1872 runs a "rail replacement service" on certain days of the year when a special timetable is in operation (usually gala days). A timetable and days of operation can be found at the SDR website. Updated September 2015. |
| 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 weekends and certain other holidays during the year. Route 339 Epping-Ongar-Brentwood is operated by "RT" AEC Regents and a Routemaster. "RTL" Leyland PD2s also appear at times. Route 250 North Weald-Passingford Bridge is operated by "RF" AEC Regals and AEC Swift SM1. For route details and times see http://www.eorailway.co.uk. For details of the LBC fleet see the entry for LBC below. Updated December 2017. |
| Hampshire Portsmouth |
793 UXA | 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 May to September. It is also available for private hire. Updated October 2016. |
| 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 was still there in June 2011, but isn't used exclusively as a Leyland Leopard coach may also be used. Updated March 2013. |
|
Kent |
JJD 472D SMK 699F |
Routemasters | Go Coach Hire are running the Sevenoaks town tourist service 7 again this year, using one of their two Routemasters. Travel all day for just £2.50. The service runs until 6th September - see poster here. June 2015. |
| Lancashire Blackpool |
202 UXJ (WLT 887) 583 CLT |
Routemasters | RM887 and RM1583 are sometimes used on the Catch 22 Bus service 22 from Blackpool to Cleveleys. RM1583 was once in the Blackpool Transport fleet and is in Blackpool Transport livery. Updated February 2015. |
| London TfL tourist route 15  |
WLT 324 WLT 652 WLT 871 ALD 933B ALD 941B ALD 968B ALM 50B ALM 60B ALM 71B ALM 89B |
Routemasters | Marshall refurbished RMs 324, 652, 871, 1933, 1941, 1968, 2050, 2060, 2071, 2089 are operated by East London on tourist service 15 from Trafalgar Square to Tower Hill until 1830 Monday to Sunday daytimes.They have Cummins engines and are owned by TfL. RM1933 was painted in maroon and platinum commemorative livery in 2008, to celebrate 75 years of London Transport and the centenary of Bow garage. Some, including RM1968 and RM2060, have been painted in 1980s style livery with white band and roundel. See the special feature page on the heritage operation of routes 9 and 15. Updated June 2014. |
| London Premium Tours / Harrods Tours |
VLT 85 ALM 979B CUV 348C NML 621E SMK 729F |
Routemasters | For those with a little more money to spend, Premium Tours run upmarket tours of London with Routemasters. RM85, RM1979 (open-top), RML2348 and RML2621 (open-top) are in a green livery for Harrods themed tours, RML2729 is in red livery. Two further Routemasters are owned. July 2012. |
|
London, |
KFF 367 (11 CLT) |
Routemasters | London Necrobus run night tours branded as Ghost Bus Tours, in London, Edinburgh and York. They are run with Routemasters including RM1011, RM1666, RML2203, RML2343, RML2516, RML2528 and RML2624 in a black livery. RML2528 was formerly with Dreadnought of Alnwick and open-top RML2203 with Ensignbus. Updated August 2017. |
| London The London Tour |
SMK 697F | Routemaster | Open-top RML2697 is running on a turn up and go London tour in competition with the more established ones. June 2014. |
| London Afternoon Tea Bus Tour |
VLT 191 WTS 418A (WLT 909) 204 CLT 735 DYE ALD 913B JJD 404D JJD 546D |
Routemaster (RM191) Routemaster (RM909) Routemaster (RM1204) Routemaster (RM1735) Routemaster (RM1913) Routemaster (RML2404) Routemaster (RML2546) |
Yet 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 and RM1913 were added in 2017. Updated May 2018. |
| Norfolk Holt |
CUV 151C | Routemaster | RM2151 runs the "Holt Flyer" between Holt Station (of the North Norfolk Railway) and Holt town centre. It changed hands from Awaydays to Coach Services (Thetford) in 2012 but its use in 2013 is confirmed: http://www.nnrailway.co.uk/page.php?pid=23. Updated June 2013. |
|
Northern Ireland |
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 |
WLT 737 WLT 875 353 CLT |
Routemasters | As soon as one Routemaster operation in Edinburgh disappears another one arrives. Lothian may have ceased their Mac Tours operation, but The Red Bus,are now running sighseeing tours with Routemasters. They are also available for private hire and weddings. Updated August 2017. |
| Scotland Edinburgh |
See Edinburgh Bus Tours entry below | Routemasters | The Lothian Buses/Edinburgh Bus Tours fleet of heritage Routemasters operate tour service for 20 days each August. The Routemasters provide extra capacity and something different when demand is at its highest. |
| East Sussex Lewes/Eastbourne |
VDV 818 | Regent V | Preserved Devon General Regent 818 is on loan from the West of England Historic Transport Trust to Seaford & District, who are using it in service on some days on their weekend service 124. The service will start running again in July 2018 and the company usually announce in advance the previous day which vehicle will be running, on their Twitter feed, https://twitter.com/SeafordandDist. Updated December 2017. |
| West Sussex Horsham/Shorham |
VLT 116 CUV 179C SMK 660F |
Routemaster (RM116) Routemaster (RM2179) Routemaster (RML2660) |
Southern Transit run their three ex LT Routemasters along with open-toppers, and guest RTs/RMs from other owners on an enhanced timetable on their Horsham-Shoreham service on the two May Bank Holiday Mondays and the August Bank Holiday Monday each year. See https://www.southerntransit.co.uk/route-3/. Updated June 2018. |
| Wales Llandudno |
WLT 999 | Routemaster (RM999) | Runs a sightseeing tour twice daily (not Mondays and Fridays). You can board on the day if space is available or book in advance at https://www.routemaster999.com/tours. December 2017. |
| 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 2018 event is on August 18th, see https://imberbus.wordpress.com/. May 2018. |
AECs in contract and private hire fleets
| Operator and location | Reg | Type | Status | Date of last rep. | Notes |
| Grant Palmer, Dunstable, Bedfordshire | CUV 299C | Routemaster (RML2299) | private hire | 6/2016 | Ex London Heritage Travel |
| Lianne Coaches, Slough, Berkshire | CUV 327C | Routemaster (RML2327) | private hire | 7/2012 | Formerly with RML Travel. No pictures since this date |
| Berkshire Big Red Bus, Reading, Berkshire | VLT 188 462 CLT CUV 208C PYM 108F |
Routemaster (RM188) Routemaster (RMC1462) Routemaster (RM2208) Reliance/Plaxton |
in service in service in service in service |
9/2018 2/2017 2/2017 2/2017 |
All for wedding and private hire. RM188 and RM2208 are owned by preservationists but available for use. An open-top Leyland Atlantean is also owned. |
| AlphaBus, Milton Keynes, Bucks | CUV 106C SMK 666F SMK 700F MXX 481 |
Routemaster (RM2106) Routemaster (RML2666) Routemaster (RML2700) Regal IV (RF504) |
in service in service in service in service |
7/2017 10/2017 7/2017 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. |
| Dave's Buses, High Wycombe, Bucks Vintage Red Bus, Marlow, Bucks |
448 UXS (ex WLT 848) TAS 466 (ex WLT 883) JJD 508D |
Routemaster (RM848) Routemaster (RML883) Routemaster (RML2508) |
in service in service in service |
7/2017 6/2017 6/2016 |
For wedding and private hires. Acquired from Czech Republic. Acquired ex Black & White Motorways. |
| Victoria Events, Cryers Hill, Bucks | MLL 948 JJD 368D |
Regal IV (RF530) Routemaster (RML2368) |
in service in service |
8/2017 8/2017 |
For wedding and private hires. |
ThisBus.com, Haddenham, Bucks |
CUV 261C CUV 335C JJD 394D JJD 408D NML 634E MXX 489 |
Routemaster (RML2261) |
in service in service in service in service in service in service |
5/2018 |
For wedding and private hires. Also used at running days. |
| A1bus.co.uk, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire | KVS 601 CUV 213C VLT 238 |
Routemaster (RML471) Routemaster (RML2213) Routemaster (RM238) |
in service in service for non-PCV use |
10/2012 5/2014 10/1012 |
For wedding and private hires. Part open-top RM238 is for static use only. |
| OK Motor Services Ltd, Babraham, Cambridgeshire | EUU 117J | Reliance/Plaxton | in service | 7/2017 | For private hire use. Bought from preservation in 2016, previously with Go Goodwins. |
Imperial Bus Company (t/a London Routemaster Bus Company), Wisbech, Cambs |
JXC 149 641 DYE 254 CLT CUV 239C NMY 632E |
Regent III (RT786) Routemaster (RM1641) Routemaster (RMF1254) Routemaster (RCL2239) Routemaster (RMA49) |
wedding/private hire wedding/private hire wedding/private hire wedding/private hire wedding/private hire |
7/2015 7/2015 9/2018 7/2015 7/2015 |
This is the former heritage fleet of Imperial Buses, Rainham, now operating from Wisbech (the OC at Outwell is just into Norfolk). An RTL Leyland Titan is also owned. Vehicles passed to Imperial, Outwell in 8/2015 showing only preserved status, but the LRBC website was still active 1/2018. |
| Routemaster Buses, Crewe, Cheshire | 490 CLT ALM 59B JJD 515D |
Routemaster (RMC1490) Routemaster (RM2059) Routemaster (RML2515) |
in service in service in service |
1/2015 1/2015 5/2015 |
Wedding and private hire vehicles |
| King Harry Coaches (Falmouth Coaches), Falmouth, Cornwall | AFJ 77B KJH 230G |
Reliance/Harrington Reliance/Plaxton |
in service (semi preserved) in service (semi preserved) |
8/2015 9/2012 |
For private hire use. |
| Stagecoach North West, Cumbria | CUV 286C NML 657E SMK 671F |
Routemaster (RML2286) Routemaster (RML2657) Routemaster (RML2671) |
stored - source of spares |
2/2018 4/2018 4/2018 |
RML2671 is a special events vehicle at Kendal. RML2286 is a source of spares for RML2671. RML2657 transferred from Cheltenham & Gloucester in 2018. |
| Midland Classic Coaches, Church Gresley, Derbyshire | 798 UXA (168 CLT) | Routemaster (RM1168) | in service | 8/2017 | Used for wedding hires and tours. |
| South Devon Rail Road Services, Paignton, Devon | ALD 872B | Routemaster (RM1872) | in service for private hire | 11/2017 | Also used on services in connection with the South Devon Railway. Acquired from the Ron Greet collection |
| Stagecoach Devon, Exeter, Devon | JJD 451D | Routemaster (RML2451) | preserved/special duties | 5/2016 | |
| Route 24 Buses, Bournemouth, Dorset | VLT 24 | Routemaster (RM24) | in service for private hire and weddings | 5/2017 | Still AEC engined and in original condition |
| Romeround, Bournemouth, Dorset | CUV 186C | Routemaster (RM2186) | in service for private hire | 5/2017 | |
| 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 |
4/2015 |
All in service for private hire and weddings. The forward entrance routemaster KGJ 603D has been sold. |
| Marden Commercials, Benfleet, Essex | LDS 164A (WLT 978) | Routemaster open-top (RM978) | in service for private hire | 6/2016 | In service for private hire and weddings. AEC Regent RT2976 (NLE 744) is owned but not in service. |
| Blueline Travel, Southend, Essex | HSL 660 (WLT 981) JJD 591D NML 613E |
Routemaster open-top (RM891) Routemaster open-top (2591) Routemaster (RML2613) |
in service for private hire stored in service for private hire |
8/2014 8/2014 8/2014 |
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|
Ensignbus, Purfleet, |
FXT183 |
Regent III (RT8) |
preserved/special duties |
5/2015 12/2013 12/2017 6/2012 12/2012 12/2017 8/2015 4/2014 12/2011 12/2013 7/2015 7/2015 6/2012 6/2015 12/2016 7/2015 12/2017 12/2016 8/2015 3/2018 12/2015 1/2017 12/2017 12/2012 |
Ensignbus 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 and RCL2226, RM1361 and RT3251 in August 2015). |
| Talisman, Great Bromley, Essex | JJD 535D | Routemaster (RML2535) | for sale | 11/2017 | |
| Layer Marney Transport, Layer Marney, Essex | JJD 398D | Routemaster (RML2398) | wedding/private hire | 4/2015 | |
| Cresta Coaches, Fareham, Hampshire | ACX 785Y (TVH 138X) | Reliance/Plaxton | acquired | 7/2016 | |
| Knights Out, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire | EPM 459T | Reliance/Plaxton | preserved | 5/2016 | This Reliance formerly available for contract work is now preserved, with the same owner. |
| Timebus Travel, St. Albans, Hertfordshire |
MXX 223 |
Regent, ex RLH23 Regal IV, ex RF491 Routemaster (open-top) Routemaster (open-top) Routemaster (RCL2221) Routemaster (RML2263) Routemaster (RML2310) Routemaster (RML2389) Routemaster (RML2442) Routemaster (RML2527) Routemaster (RM29) Routemaster coach (RMC1477) 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 in service |
2/2018 |
All in service vehicles are available for private hire. Also owned is former RLH44 last used as a uniform store, RLH29 (undergoing rebuild), RLH32 (preserved and rallied), and a Leyland PS1, JXC 282 (TD89). |
| Routemaster Hire, Welham Green, Hertfordshire | JJD 374D JJD 390D JJD 548D |
Routemaster (RML2374) Routemaster (RML2390) Routemaster (RML2548) |
in service in service in service |
7/2016 12/2016 10/2015 |
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) |
3/2015 |
In the heritage fleet for promotional work and hires. A Regent (RT1107) is also owned but not in service. |
| 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) |
in service in service in service in service acquired |
6/2013 3/2012 5/2016 8/2015 3/2012 9/2012 |
Used for the Special Days Bus Hire branded private hire operation, and also appear at running days. 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. |
| Old London Bus, Hawkhurst, Kent | NLE 918 KYY 872 JJD 539D |
Regent III (RT3028) Regent III (RT3413) Routemaster (RML2539) |
weddding/private hire preserved/under restoration weddding/private hire |
6/2017 6/2017 6/2017 |
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| Gilkes, West Kingsdown, Kent | LCX 159W | Reliance/Plaxton | out of service | 3/2010 | bought in 12/2004 but pictured in a derelict state in March 2010 |
| Go-coach Hire, Swanley, Kent | JJD 472D SMK 699F |
Routemaster (RML2472) Routemaster (RML2699) |
in service in service |
12/2017 12/2017 |
Also run some summer services to Knole House near Sevenoaks. |
| London Retro Bus Hire, Longfield, Kent | MXX 466 AML 97H 865 UXC (WLT 385) SMK 702F |
Regal IV (RF489) Swift Routemaster (RM835) Routemaster (RML2702) |
Acquired in service for private hire in service for private hire in service for private hire |
2/2015 3/2016 5/2016 9/2016 |
Ex LT SMS97 was acquired in 2014 for use after many years in preservation. RF489 was acquired in 2015 but does not feature in their vehicles list. RM2702 is in cream and gold. Two ex LT Fleetlines are also owned. |
| Rorkies Bus, Margate, Kent | JJD 454D | Routemaster (RML2454) | in service for private hire | 1/2017 | For wedding and private hires. |
| Waymour Bus Hire, Longfield, Kent | 865 UXC (WLT 385) | Routemaster (RM385) | acquired | 10/2016 | |
| Redroute Buses (London Classic Bus Hire), Northfleet, Kent | 255 UXO (WLT 888) 799 DYE CUV 322C JJD 402D |
Routemaster (RML888) Routemaster (RM1799) Routemaster (RML2322) Routemaster (RML2402) |
in service for private hire in service for private hire in service for private hire in service for private hire |
3/2017 7/2016 7/2016 8/2014 |
For wedding and private hires. |
| Routemaster Travel South, Gillingham, Kent |
WLT 898 |
Routemaster (RML898) Routemaster (RM357) |
in service for private hire in service for private hire |
8/2015 4/2012 |
ex Blue Triangle |
| Travelmasters, Sheerness, Kent | SMK 725F | Routemaster (RML2725) | preserved | 4/2011 | Appears to be preserved rather than used for private hire. |
| Marshopper, New Romney, Kent | JJD 532D | Routemaster (RML2532) | in service for private hire use and hire to other operators |
8/2017 |
|
| YMS, Canterbury, Kent | SMK 751F | Routemaster (RML2751) | in service | 4/2018 | Wedding/private hire. |
| Traditional Travel, Bromley, Kent/London | 87 CLT CUV 301C CUV 308C JJD 380D JJD 483D JJD 414D |
Routemaster open-top (RM1087) Routemaster (RML2301) Routemaster (RML2308) Routemaster (RML2380) Routemaster (RML2483) Routemaster (RML2414) |
in service |
1/2013 1/2013 1/2013 1/2013 1/2013 1/2013 |
Wedding/private hire. |
| London Vintage Bus Hire Ltd Kent/London     |
Operational fleet Preserved/others |
|
|
|
The company changed name form London Bus Company in November 2017 and 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 RT1700 is pictured in August 2015 and RML900 in March 2018). Operational and active preseved 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. 'PVA 015', 'PVA 019', 'PVA 021' and 'PVA 026' are four of the RTs repatriated from Abegweit (Niagara Tours), Canada. They are currently stored unregistered and will not have those registrations in the UK. Others got their original UK registrations back. Updated October 2018. |
| Catch 22 Bus, Blackpool. Lancashire | BNK 324A (568 CLT) 583 CLT CUV 290C |
Routemaster (RM1568) Routemaster (RM1583) Routemaster (RM2290) |
unknown in service in service |
9/2013 5/2017 4/2018 |
RM1583 and RML2290 are in use for Wedding Hire and Private Hire. RM1568 was last used by Classic Bus North West in 2013. |
| Morecambe Heritage Bus, Morecombe, Lancashire | KTF 591 YTJ ?D |
Regent III open-top Renown/East Lancs |
stolen! under restoration |
2014 5/2015 |
The original ex Morecambe & Heysham RT style open-top Regent has been stolen. An ex Leigh Renown has been acquired for restoration, and the company has access to other heritage vehicles to maintain the business. |
|
Dodd, Belton, Lincolnshire |
AUA 435J | Reliance/Plaxton | unknown | Not reported active recently but still licensed with DVLA in April 2013.. | |
Arriva London, London |
VLT 5 |
Routemaster |
for special events for special events for special events for special events for special events for special events for special events exhibition bus |
11/2016 4/2018 12/2011 12/2017 4/2018 11/2017 2/2018 4/2016 |
RMs 5, 6, 1124, 2217, RMC 1453/64 and RML901 are in the Arriva London heritage fleet. Exhibition bus RML2360 is looked after on behalf of the LT Museum. The last standard length RM built, RM2217 ran the official "last Routemaster" journey on the 159. They often appear at rallies: RMC1453 and RML2360 are pictured at the Alton rally in July 2007, RMC1464 at Detling in April 2011, RM6 at Detling in April 2018. |
| International Coachlines, Thornton Heath, London | VLT 259 | Routemaster (RM259) | in service | 10/2009 | For private hires and occasional use on school contracts |
| Waymour Bus Hire t/a London Retro Bus Hire, London | 865 UXC (WLT 385) SMK 679F SMK 702F SMK 732F AML 97H |
Routemaster (RM385) Routemaster (RML2679) Routemaster (RML2702) Routemaster (RML2732) Swift (SMS97) |
in service in service in servive in service in service |
7/2018 7/2018 7/2018 7/2018 9/2018 |
Ex London Transport Swift and Routemasters for private hires and weddings. RML2702 is in cream livery. |
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 special events for special events for special events for special events for special events |
8/2017 9/2017 10/2017 9/2017 9/2017 |
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 | 8/2010 | The first RML, still known as ER880 and now in red following a spell in special livery. |
| Metroline, London |
WLT 644 |
Routemaster open-top (RM644) Routemaster (RM903) |
for private hire for special events |
4/2018 4/2018 |
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 | Routemaster (RM545) | in service for private hire | 5/2018 | Also attends rallies and was pictured in August 2015 helping out on Tube strike extras |
| redroutemaster.com, Brentford, London | 86 CLT CUV 323C CUV 366C NMY 655E SMK 682F SMK 683F |
Routemaster (RM1086) Routemaster (RML2323) Routemaster (RML2366) Routemaster (RMA58) Routemaster (RML2682) Routemaster (RML2683) |
under restoration in service in service in service in service in service |
2/2016 12/2017 2/2016 2/2016 7/2017 2/2016 |
In service for private hire and film work. RMA58 is a former BEA model that previously ran with Ensignbus. RML2323 was previously preserved in green livery. |
| Rent A Routemaster, Ruislip, London | 840 DYE JJD 455D MXX 8 |
Routemaster (RM1840) Routemaster (RML2455) Regal (IV (RF366) |
in service in service in service |
3/2017 3/2017 3/2017 |
For wedding and private hires. RF366 was acquired from preservation. |
| Stagecoach London, London | SMK 760F | Routemaster (RML2760) | preserved/for special events | 5/2014 | The last Routemaster delivered new to London Transport. Currently on long term loan to the LBM and only used for special events. |
| The Expeditional, South Woodford, London | NML 649E SMK 679F |
Routemaster (RML2649) Routemaster open-top (2679) |
for private hire for private hire |
7/2015 7/2015 |
Another RM is als owned |
| Peoplesbus, Liverpool, Merseyside | XVS 830 (ex VLT 180) | Routemaster (RM180) | acquired | 3/2014 | |
| Bus and Us, Melton Constable, Norfolk | CUV 231C JJD 480D SMK 737F |
Routemaster (RML2321) Routemaster (RML2480) Routemaster (RML2737) |
in service acquired in service |
10/2015 4/2016 10/2015 |
in use for weddings and private hire |
| A Route 2 Hire, Towcester, Northamptonshire | 403 CLT CUV 271C SMK 674F |
Routemaster (open-top) Routemaster (RM2271) Routemaster (RML2674) |
in service in service in service |
3/2012 3/2012 9/2014 |
RM1403 returned to service by its preservation owner, and RM2271/RML2674 bought from preservation to join it. |
| Henry Cooper Coaches, Cramlington, Northumberland | MFF 580 (ex 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 |
4/2016 4/2016 5/2016 8/2017 |
RMs1218, 1562, 1640 acquired from TfL in 2015 after route 9H ceased operation. RMs 1204, 1735, 1776 and 1913 also acquired as dealer stock, and 1204, 1735, 1913 since sold. |
| Chain Bridge Honey Farm, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland | JJD 554D | Routemaster (RML2554) | status unknown | 9/2008 | Used for private hire in the Northumberland and Scottish Lowlands areas. Sister RML2416 has been sold and 2554 may be also. |
| Blackmore Commercials, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire | NML 619E | Routemaster (RML2619) | preserved/in service | 11/2014 | available for private hire |
| Exclusive Cars, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire | ALM 33B VLT 108 SSL 806 (VLT 121) NMY 637R KNU 446 |
Routemaster (RM2033) Routemaster (RM108) Routemaster (RM121) Routemaster (RMA52) Regal/Willowbrook coach |
in service in service in service in service in service |
4/2012 4/2012 4/2012 4/2012 4/2012 |
All are available for wedding and corporate hire in the Nottingham area, RMA52 is a forward entrance ex BEA model. The Regal dates from 1946. |
| Thompson, Retford, Nottinghamshire | NML 616E | Routemaster (RML2616) | acquired | 3/2010 | will be used for wedding and corporate work following refurbishment |
| Nostagia Travel, North Hinksey, Oxon |
KGJ 117A (528 CLT) |
Routemaster (RM1528) Routemaster (RML2430) |
in service in service |
5/2018 5/2018 |
For wedding and private hire, often seen in Oxford. The company have other vehicles including a Bristol Lodekka and VR. |
| 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, 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) |
private hire/special events private hire/special events private hire/special events private hire/special events private hire/special events private hire/special events private hire/special events |
8/2018 |
Seven of the former Mac Tours open-top or part open-top Routemasters have been refurbished and returned to service in the Lothian/EBT heritage fleet. RM237/42/81 and RCL2241/8 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 |
7/2017 11/2016 7/2017 |
For wedding and private hire in Edinburgh and Dunfermline areas. |
| Bath Bus Company, Bath, Somerset | ALD 978B SMK 665F |
Routemaster (RM1978) Routemaster (RML2665) |
private hire/special events private hire/special events |
8/2017 6/2017 |
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 |
wedding/private hire |
11/2016 |
Former BEA front entrance Routemasters. Sister NMY 665E is withdrawn but still owned. |
| Regency Road Touring, Northwich, Staffs | WFR 167K | Reliance/Plaxton | in service | 4/2013 | ex Abbott, Blackpool, for tour work |
| The Bus Club (Routemasters for Hire), Tadworth, Surrey | SMK 710F SMK 727F JJD 445D CUV 107C SMK 676F |
Routemaster (RML2710) Routemaster (RML2727) Routemaster (RML2445) Routemaster (RM2107) Routemaster (RML2676) |
possibly sold in service in service in service acquired |
10/2014 06/2011 06/2011 10/2010 2/2014 |
RML2710 and 2727 ex International Coach Lines and RML2445 ex Redroute Buses. RM2107 ex Countryliner, RML2676 ex preservation. All available for private hire. |
| Classic Country Bus, Surrey/West Sussex | NLE 644 | Regal IV (RF644) | in service | 7/2017 | For wedding and private hires. Restored to service in 2008. |
| Pavilion Coaches, Hove, E. Sussex |
NLE 701 | Leyland RTL | in service for wedding hires etc. | 2/2017 | not actually an AEC but listed here for people looking for a wedding hire bus in Sussex |
| Brighton & Hove, Brighton, E. Sussex | CUV 317C | Routemaster (RML2317) | in service | 7/2017 | used for private hire and special events |
| O. R. Jones, Llanfethnu (Anglesey), North Wales | LPT 328 | Regal III / Burlingham coach | preserved/in service | 8/2015 | Was previously with Silver Star. Last pictured on hire work in May 2013, so may now be preserved only. |
| Routemaster999, Llandudno, North Wales | WLT 999 (WVS 423) | Routemaster (RM999) | in service for private hire | 11/2017 | Previously registered WVS 423 with Reading Heritage Travel, it now has its original registration back. |
| Routemaster4hire, Wrexham, North Wales | SVS 618 (WLT 548)WLT 765 783 CLT |
Routemaster (RM548)Routemaster (RM765) Routemaster open-top (1783) |
in service for private hire in service for private hire in service for private hire |
12/2017 7/2017 6/2018 |
RM446 (VLT 446) is also owned and being prepared for service |
| LondonBus4Hire, Monmouthshire, South Wales | 357 CLT CUV 306C JJD 393D JJD 583D JJD 579D SMK 674F |
Routemaster (RM1357) Routemaster (RML2306) Routemaster (RML2393) Routemaster (RML2583) Routemaster (RML2579) Routemaster (RML2684) |
in service for private hire acquired acquired in service for private hire acquired acquired |
7/2017 6/2017 6/2017 10/2016 6/2017 6/2017 |
|
| Swansea Transport Museum, Swansea, South Wales | WWN 191 | Reliance/Harrington | private hire | 11/2015 | Swansea Bus Museum has a private hire operation using this vehicle |
| Midland Red South, Stratford and Rugby, Warwickshire | JJD 565D SMK 738F |
Routemaster (RML2565) Routemaster (RML2738) |
in service for private hire in service for private hire |
2/2018 5/2018 |
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 |
2/2018 7/2015 |
RCL2220 is convertable open-top, and acquired from Stephensons of Rochford in 2014. |
| Southdown Historic Vehicles, Worthing, West Sussex | NMY 648E | Routemaster (RMA11) | acquired | 1/2016 | Acquired fron Ensign. The company offer a vintage hire service although NMY does not appears on their website. |
| Southern Transit, Beeding, West Sussex | NXP 796 VLT 116 CUV 179C SMK 660F |
Regent III (RT4442) Routemaster (RM116) Routemaster (RM2179) Routemaster (RML2660) |
under restoration preserved/special events private hire/special events private hire/special events |
1/2017 5/2018 5/2018 5/2018 |
RML2755 was on loan here but has returned to its private owner. RM116 acquired from preservation. Preserved RML2742 (SMK 742F) is also owned. Also operate service 3 on some bank holidays (see above). |
| Premier, Crawley, West Sussex | KXW 495 | Regent III (RT1396) | acquired | 2016 | |
| Wilfreda Beehive, Doncaster, S. Yorkshire | CUV 280C | Routemaster (RML2280) | in service | 2/2017 | |
| Yorkshire Heritage Bus Company (Halifax Joint Committee), Halifax, West Yorkshire | LJX 198 PFN 858 MDJ 918E 3747 RH 214 CLT BOW 503C KOW 902F LYF 316 KYY 883 |
Regent V/Weymann |
heritage fleet heritage fleet heritage fleet heritage fleet heritage fleet acquired acquired in service for private hire heritage fleet |
10/2011 3/2015 10/2011 10/2011 10/2011 2/2011 2/2011 8/2012 8/2012 |
The four Regents new to Hebble, East Kent, St. Helens and East Yorkshire, are in Halifax Joint Commitee livery alongside two Leyland PD2 open-toppers. The Routemaster has been painted back into London red. The two ex Southampton Regents were bought from preservation in 2011. |
| York Pullman, York, Yorkshire | 792 UXA (WLT 787) WLT 329 |
Routemaster (RM787) Routemaster (RM329) |
in service in service |
5/2012 5/2012 |
for private hire and weddings |
| Red Bus Days, Keighley, West Yorkshire | JJD 475D KGJ 603D |
Routemaster (RML2475) Routemaster (ex BEA) |
in service |
4/2016 6/2015 |
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) | in service | 2/2007 | for private hire and weddings |
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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!