The last day of the routemaster

On Friday the 9th of December the World famous London routemaster will be making its final official tour of duty, a single press buss will follow the routemaster on its retirement through London?s West End along Oxford Street, down Whitehall and over Westminster bridge passing Big Ben and the houses of parliament before heading to its depot in Brixton.

London transports switchboards have been jammed by media groups hoping to get on either the routemaster or the press buss that will follow its final voyage, I have been very fortunate to have been offered a place to cover this occasion for the GLA and will be photographing the whole journey from start to finish including the press conference to be held once the bus arrives at the bus terminal.

 

I will be uploading an image of my choice for this event.

 

 

Regards

 

Piccadilly Circus with a team of London routemasters an all familiar

site that will now come to an end this Friday 9th December 2005,

paving the way for newer more accessible busses.

Nice work ... what a shame for photographers that these are gone!

Thanks Bill,

I am happy that I have my collection of images.

This is a terrific image, Hugh. And my congratulations for being offered a place to cover the event. Wish you all the bests!

Thank you Brad,

You have known me for some time and the work I do It means so much to me to be given the chance to cover such an Historical event for The GLA (Greater London Authority) and fellow Londoners.

 

Many in London are very sad to see this bus go as they feel that it is part of their heritage going but there are many mothers with prams, elderly who have trouble boarding and alighting also there are the wheelchair users in London and they have never been able to board this bus and have felt ignored with their transportation needs and there are other groups who find the route master dangerous.

Now the TFL (Transport for London) have started making all the replacements buses more accessible and where as they may not be as charming as their predecessors they are a lot more practical.

 

I have to be honest I love the routemaster for its beauty and ruggedness but I can understand the other side of the coin too and the mayor is commited to equality and this is his best proposal.

but maybe, just maybe we will be seeing a newer more people/ECO friendly carrier just around the corner, we will just have to wait and see!

 

What a wonderful photograph, so full of the soon to be memories.Hard to believe, I did not know these buses where being replaced.I hope the TFL will put them to good use as they retire them. Best wishes on your coverage on this important occasion, such an honor! ..Merni

F a n t a s t i c!!! Loved this momevent

I was drawn in by the image. It's powerful. I didn't know these were supposed to go: it's a shame.