Route 15H was the very last route to be served with AEC Routemasters after the withdrawal of 9H in 2014.
The Coronavirus pandemic affected the route 15H service hence the reason they haven’t appeared on route 15 last year (2020), which quietly led to the withdrawal of the route.
Here’s the Freedom of Information response by TfL via
TfL Ref: FOI-2533-2021
1. Did any of the Heritage Routemasters operate on 15H last year (2020)?
If Not, why?
However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic it has not operated in the 2020 season.
2. Was Stagecoach paid for the 15H contract last year? If yes, how much?
The 15H was due to run the seasonal service for two years as follows:
o 30/3/19 to 29/9/19 – contract value £808,258.
o 28/3/20 to 27/9/20 – contract value £825,243.
This contract didn’t operate due to Covid-19 so no payments were made to Stagecoach.
Prior to the service being seasonal, the annual contract price was £1,293,270.
3. Why TfL wanted the Heritage Routemasters on 15H to operate during summer weekends and bank holidays only?
This was to reduce cost and make the best use of resources at a time when we were moving increasingly to a self-funding position. The change was part of making our core network services financially sustainable for the future.
4. How much did TfL save by cutting the 15H services?
The service wasn’t operated due to Covid-19 so no payments were made to the operator.
5. Is route 15H service completely withdrawn?
We discontinued with the 15H for reasons including falling ridership on the Central London network and because it is the only part of the fleet that does not provide step-free access. The buses have a high step up to the rear platform and cannot be accessed by wheelchair users and with a difficulty by those with mobility issues. The heritage service on route 15H is not required for capacity purposes and does not provide any unique links.
6. Do TfL plan to withdraw Heritage Routemasters from route 15 by not renewing the contract?
See answer to question 5.
7. Do TfL plan to reintroduce Heritage AEC Routemasters on route 15 this year?
See answer to question 5.
8. Why Contactless bank card payments are not accepted on route 15H? Do TfL plan to upgrade the Oyster readers to allow Contactless bank card payments?
See answer to question 5.
9. Do the AEC Routemasters for 15H have Euro VI emission standards?
No, they have previously relied on an exemption certificate to operate in London. It may also not be technically feasible to upgrade them to Euro VI.
10. What are the long term plans for the Heritage Routemasters on route 15H?
See answer to question 5.
This may not be the complete end, the AEC Routemaster buses may return on ‘running days’ organised by museums and enthusiasts in agreement with TfL.
Recently on 11th April 2021, the AEC Routemasters and other vintage buses appeared on routes 65 and 465 for one day only, passengers were allowed to ride for zero fare with Covid-19 restrictions in place.
The London Omnibus Traction Society (LOTS) reveal the upcoming running days with vintage buses on their news page, they are subject to Covid-19 restrictions for the time being.
To wrap up the article, I’ll show you my videos of the AEC Routemasters on route 15 in action.
RM2050 ALM50B
RM1941 ALD941B Link to video
RM652 WLT652 Link to video
I invite you to follow me on Twitter by searching for @CLondoner92 or clicking on the direct link to my Twitter page here.
Related article
The real reason why TfL and the Mayor ended the New Routemaster rollout in favour of legacy vehicles containing NRM design cues