Routemaster

An icon of London is about to disappear from our local landscape. We're talking about the Routemaster bus, a design classic and a symbol of London for more than 50 years. The Routemaster was the last and best bus purpose-designed and purpose-built for Londoners. From Friday 9 December, this quintessential London scene will disappear forever as the last of the capital's veteran red Routemaster buses reach the end of the line.
The conductor, 61-year-old Lloyd Licorish, originally from Barbados, was kept busy selling tickets - although mostly as souvenirs since most on board already had bus passes. At the wheel was Jamaican-born Winston Briscoe, 62, who had his daughter, Natasha, and two grandchildren sitting behind him. On that day the last Routemaster route - the 159 running from Streatham to Marble Arch - will convert to modern double-deckers, and barring two tourist friendly 'heritage routes', the 53-year old buses will be gone.
The number 13 bus route to the West End will cease to be operated by the Routemaster for the last time on 21st October. The 13 route is one of the last three routes still to be operated by the Routemaster.