Speculation
that TfL would abandon the operation of real Routemasters when the
current contract comes to an end in November are unfounded. The
latest round of Transport for London bus route tender results issued
on the 2nd June 2015, include a further contract to operate the
'heritage' element of route 15H (Tower Hill & Trafalgar
Square). Stagecoach
will
continue to run the 'heritage' service
with traditional Routemasters for another 5-years from the 14th
November 2015. Stagecoach East London will
also continue to use
LT-class New Routemasters to operate the main 15 route (Trafalgar
Square & Blackwall Station).
Since heritage route 9 ceased operating in July 2014 various displaced RM vehicles have been stored. Seven of the vehicles have now been disposed of by Transport for London.
The
vehicles have been purchased by Henry Cooper Coaches who are based in
Cramlington, Northumberland. The company previously dealt in surplus
Routemasters when large numbers were retired from main line service
in 2004/5. Six of the seven have been moved to the north east and one
of them is already being prepared for MOT as it will initially join
the Henry Cooper operational fleet.
The
company already own RM 931 (MFF 580) which is restored to a high
standard and is used for private hire work.
The
vehicles sold to Henry Coopers are as follows
RM1204 204
CLT
RM1218 218
CLT
RM1562 562
CLT
RM1640 640
DYE
RM1735 735
DYE
RM1776 776
DYE
RM1913 ALD
913B
RM 1218 is being prepared for use by Henry Cooper Coaches. It is seen here, above and below, shortly after arrival in the north east.
As work continues to bring RM 1218 up to standard we will keep you informed of the progress. Further postings will follow in due course.
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