What is a Routemaster bus?
The AEC Routemaster is a front-engined double-decker bus that was designed by London Transport and built by the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) and Park Royal Vehicles. The first prototype was completed in September 1954 and the last one was delivered in 1968.
How many Routemaster buses were built?
2,876 Routemasters
The Routemaster was primarily intended for London use, being designed by London Transport and constructed at the AEC Works in Southall, Middlesex. In all 2,876 Routemasters were built. It was an innovative design and used lightweight aluminium and techniques developed in aircraft production during World War II.
Why is the Routemaster bus iconic?
Routemaster Bus is the most iconic symbol of London as well as London’s Black cabs. The bus was built with the new war-time material, aluminium, and also features novel innovations like independent front suspension, power steering, a fully automatic gearbox and hydraulic power braking.
How many wheels does a Routemaster have?
| New Routemaster | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 80 (87 without wheelchair) (lower: 22 seats, 1 wheelchair space, 18 standing (25 standing without wheelchair); upper deck: 40 seats) |
| Transmission | Diesel in series 18 kWh Microvast Lithium Titanate battery,Microvast LpTO, Siemens ELFA2 electric traction motor |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 11.23 m (36 ft 101⁄8 in) |
When did the first Routemaster bus come out?
The Routemaster bus was developed during the years 1947–1956 by a team directed by A. M. Durrant and Colin Curtis, with vehicle styling by Douglas Scott.
What are the classes of the Routemaster bus?
There were several variants of the Routemaster produced, the classes were designated as follows: RCL – (lengthened) coach (30 feet (9.1 m)) RMF – front entrance bus (essentially a demonstrator to encourage sales outside London) RMA – front entrance bus (designated by LT when purchased from British Airways)
Why was the Routemaster so popular in London?
The Routemaster outlasted several of its replacement types in London, the unique features of the standard Routemaster were both praised and criticised. The open platform, while exposed to the elements, allowed boarding and alighting away from stops; the presence of a conductor allowed minimal boarding time and optimal security.
