The Length Of A Routemaster Bus Explored

The AEC Routemaster is a front-engined double-decker bus that was designed for use in London. The first Routemaster entered service in February 1956, and the last was delivered in 1968. The majority of Routemasters were 27 feet 6 inches long, although some were longer at 30 feet. The longer versions, known as the RML or Routemaster Lengthened, had a capacity of 72 seats, compared to 64 seats in the standard model. The Routemaster was designed to be lighter and more fuel-efficient than its predecessors, and it featured a combination of an A steel sub-frame and a rear B steel sub-frame, with an aluminium body.

The AEC Routemaster is 27 ft 6 in (8.38 m) long, with a high-floor design

The AEC Routemaster is a front-engined double-decker bus, 27 ft 6 in (8.38 m) long, with a high-floor design. It 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 was delivered in 1968.

The AEC Routemaster was designed with a conventional layout for its time, including a half-cab, front-mounted engine, and an open rear platform. The vehicle's length made it stand out, and it was a pioneering design that outlasted several replacement types in London. The high-floor design, however, presented accessibility challenges for disabled individuals and those with heavy luggage or pushchairs.

The AEC Routemaster's length of 27 ft 6 in (or 8.38 meters) was a significant feature, and most production examples adhered to this dimension. This length set it apart from other buses and contributed to its iconic status.

The AEC Routemaster's high-floor design, while providing ample seating for 64 passengers, posed challenges for individuals with disabilities, as well as those boarding with heavy luggage or pushchairs. This design aspect was a drawback compared to modern buses, which prioritize accessibility.

The AEC Routemaster's length and high-floor design were defining characteristics that shaped its impact and legacy in bus design and London's transportation history.

Routemasters were designed by London Transport and built by AEC and Park Royal Vehicles

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. AEC was owned by Associated Commercial Vehicles, which was taken over by Leyland Motors in 1962.

The Routemaster was developed between 1947 and 1956 by a team directed by AAM Durrant and Colin Curtis, with vehicle styling by Douglas Scott. The design brief was to produce a vehicle that was lighter and easier to operate, with lower servicing costs. The Routemaster was designed to be maintained using the existing maintenance practices at the recently opened Aldenham Works.

The first prototype was completed in September 1954, with the last one delivered in 1968. The layout of the vehicle was conventional for the time, with a half-cab, front-mounted engine, and open rear platform. The first Routemasters entered service with London Transport in February 1956, and the last were withdrawn from regular service in December 2005.

The Routemaster was an innovative design, using lightweight aluminium and techniques developed in aircraft production during World War II. It was one of the first "integral" buses, with a combination of an "A" steel sub-frame and a rear "B" steel sub-frame, connected by an aluminium body. This design allowed for weight savings and introduced features such as independent front suspension, power steering, a fully automatic gearbox, and power-hydraulic braking.

The majority of Routemasters were built for London Transport, with small numbers also delivered to British European Airways and the Northern General Transport Company. A total of 2,876 Routemasters were built, and approximately 1,230 are still in existence as of September 2024.

The Routemaster was a pioneering design, outlasting several of its replacement types and surviving the privatisation of London Transport. It became an iconic feature of London, with its traditional red colour and open rear platform. However, the open platform and high floor design also drew criticism for being inaccessible to wheelchair users and challenging for those with heavy luggage or pushchairs.

The Routemaster was designed to be lighter and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor

The Routemaster was designed to be lighter, using lightweight aluminium and techniques developed in aircraft production during World War II. This weight-saving design, along with its other innovative features, made the Routemaster surprisingly nimble and agile compared to older bus models. The Routemaster's body was constructed with an aluminium body and two separate steel sub-frames, one at the front and one at the rear, connected by shafts to the engine and back axle.

The Routemaster's innovative design also introduced several new features to buses, such as independent front suspension, power steering, a fully automatic gearbox, and power-hydraulic braking. These features not only improved the driving experience but also contributed to its lightweight and fuel-efficient design.

The Routemaster's predecessor, the AEC Regent RT, seated 56 passengers and weighed 32,256 lbs. In comparison, the Routemaster was designed to be lighter, weighing only 31,467 lbs while seating 64 passengers. This weight reduction not only improved fuel efficiency but also handling and manoeuvrability.

The Routemaster's lightweight and fuel-efficient design was a significant advancement in bus technology, and it played a crucial role in shaping the future of bus design and public transportation.

The Routemaster was withdrawn from service in 2005 due to safety concerns and inaccessibility for disabled passengers

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. The first Routemasters entered service with London Transport in February 1956, and the last were withdrawn from regular service in December 2005.

Former London mayor Ken Livingstone stated that around twelve people per year lost their lives after falling from Routemasters during his mayoralty. Livingstone initially supported retaining the Routemasters and their conductors, but ultimately decided to replace the fleet with low-floor buses following a campaign by disabled rights groups and the realisation of the difficulty of using high-floor buses with his children.

In addition to safety concerns, the Routemaster's high floor design made boarding with heavy luggage or pushchairs challenging and inaccessible for disabled individuals. The introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 mandated that all new buses delivered in the UK comply with accessibility standards, leading to the development of the wheelchair-accessible low-floor bus.

The withdrawal of the Routemaster became a contentious issue during the 2008 London mayoral election, with Boris Johnson elected on a pledge to introduce a new Routemaster. However, the new design featured a closed rear platform and door to address safety concerns, along with other modern features such as a fully automatic gearbox and power-hydraulic braking.

The Routemaster is an emblem of London, featuring in popular culture and attracting tourists

The Routemaster is an iconic emblem of London, featuring in popular culture and attracting tourists to the city. The bus's design is deeply embedded in London's traditions, with its red double-decker buses and black cabs. The Routemaster's popularity is evident in its ability to withstand the test of time, with the last Routemaster being delivered in 1968, yet it continued to be used in London until 2019.

The Routemaster has made notable appearances in popular culture, such as at the 2008 Beijing Olympics closing ceremony, where it represented Britain for the 2012 London Olympics. Additionally, the bus has been featured on television and in films, including the opening of Episode 1 of Series 7 of Hustle, where an open-top Routemaster is shown on Westminster Bridge. The bus has also graced the cover of The Prodigy's 2018 album, "No Tourists."

The Routemaster has become a symbol of London, attracting tourists and enthusiasts alike. Its unique design and long history have made it a beloved icon, with many calling for the production of new versions of the vehicle. The bus's popularity has led to the creation of souvenirs and memorabilia featuring the Routemaster, such as mugs, stickers, fridge magnets, and toys.

The Routemaster's impact extends beyond its role as a mode of transportation, as it has become an integral part of London's culture and heritage. Its distinctive appearance and association with the city make it a beloved emblem, attracting attention and interest from people worldwide.

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