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AECs in service

This page is intended to provide a register of where you can find, and travel on, AEC buses and coaches in service today.  You can help by sending any information you have on AECs in service.  If you like AEC buses, don't forget to add this page to your favourites and check it regularly.  Hopefully there will be new information added frequently.

The list is in two parts. Firstly a list of AECs which are with operators who run public services, including the service details so you can check the travel opportunities. Secondly a summary of AECs (mainly Reliance coaches) in use with smaller operators for contracts and private hire.

Acknowledgements

 

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Last updated: 2nd February 2010

AECs in public service

Place Reg Type Notes
Buckinghamshire
High Wycombe
CUV 198C
WLT 896
Routemaster Routemaster RML896 and RM2198 are in service primarily for private hire, but also make regular peak-time appearances on the company's service 1 High Wycombe to Bourne End, and occasionally on other routes. Updated December 2009.
Cumbria
Kirkby Stephen
JTB 749
UTC 672
Regal III
Regent III
Cumbria Classic Coaces have been running 1948 Burlingham bodied Regal III JTB 749 on service 569 from Kirkby Stephen to Hawes and on private hire jobs since 2003. The ex Bamber Bridge Motor Services Regent joined the fleet from private preservation in 2009. Anyone is welcome to visit the depot to look at the buses or join us on our routes. For more information visit www.cumbriaclassiccoaches.co.uk. Updated September 2009.
Devon
Buckfastleigh
VDV 818
ALD 872B
OD 7497
KOD 585
Regent V
Routemaster
Regent
Regent III
VDV 818, a 1957 AEC Regent V 470 in Devon General colours is operated in the summer months on a circular tour around Buckfastleigh, Devon, based on the South Devon Railway. It shares these duties with Scania powered Routemaster RM1872 which is owned by the railway trust, and other heritage buses and coaches belonging to Ron Greet Nostalgic Transport - which include 1934 AEC Regent OD 7497 and 1949 Regent III KOD 585. A timetable and days of operation can be found at the SDR website. Updated May 2007.
Essex
Epping/North Weald
JXC 149
641 DYE
Regent III
Routemaster
Imperial Travel provide RT786 or RM1641 for the service on Sundays and some Bank holidays between Epping LT station and North Weald to connect with a heritage train service to Ongar. Buses run every hour on the hour from Epping, 1100-1600 during winter and 1100-1700 April-September. Note: Service is currently suspended while the railway line is not operational. Updated April 2009.
Essex
Colchester
JJD 535D Routemaster Used by Talisman Coach Lines as a poor wether substitute on the Colchester City Sightseeing open top tour. June 2009.
Gloucestershire
Gloucester
SMK 657F Routemaster Stagecoach owned 12657 (RML2657) is running out of the Gloucester depot of Cheltenham & Gloucester. Details of its workings are awaited with interest. June 2007.
Hampshire
Portsmouth
793 UXA Routemaster Local Haunts are running RM994 on their guided tour of Portsmouth and Southsea, once a day on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (including August Bank Holiday Monday) throughout the Summer from 1st June until the 28th September 2008. It is also available for private hire. Updated August 2008.
Hertfordshire
Knebworth
MXX 419 Regal IV RF442 is used to shuttle visitors on a 2 mile circular route, from Fort Knebworth to the house and Barns Restaurant area. It carries at least 20,000 visitors a year at week-ends and bank holidays during the season, Easter through to late September. Well worth a visit. Updated May 2003.
Kent
Dartford
CUV 322C
JJD 445D
Routemaster
Routemaster
Red Route Buses have been running former RML2445 on routes 423 and 489 in the Dartford area since Janaury 2004. RML2322 joined the fleet in summer 2005. The company also regularly work rail/tube replacement services. Updated September 2005.

Lancashire
Lytham

583 CLT
CUV 290C
Routemaster
Routemaster
Former RM1583 (Blackpool 521)and RML2290 operated the summer sightseeing service 12 between Blackpool and Lytham St. Annes again in 2008, alongside a PD3A Leyland Titan and an open-top Bristol VR. They are owned by the Lancastrian Transport Trust and operated by Classic Bus Lancashire. RML2336, which had been used in 2007, was sold to Bellamy's Coaches (Nottingham). Updated October 2008.

London
TfL tourist route 9

204 CLT
218 CLT
280 CLT
562 CLT
627 DYE
640 DYE
735 DYE
776 DYE
ALD 913B

Routemasters

Marshall refurbished RMs 1204, 1218, 1280, 1562, 1627, 1640, 1735, 1776, 1913 are operated by First London on tourist service 9 from Royal Albert Hall to Aldwych until 1830 Monday to Sunday daytimes. They have Cummins engines and are owned by TfL. RM1562 is unique in having a Cummins ISBE engine rather than the B series fitted to the other Marshall/Cummins conversions.
RM1650 (SRM3) and RML2735 of First's special operations fleet (see below) sometimes make guest appearances. Updated October 2008.

London
TfL tourist route 15
RM871 outside St. Pauls Cathedral in April 2009
WLT 324
WLT 652
WLT 871
ALD 933B
ALD 941B
ALD 968B
ALM 50B
ALM 60B
ALM 71B
ALM 89B
Routemasters Marshall refurbished RMs 324, 652, 871, 1933, 1941, 1968, 2050, 2060, 2071, 2089 are operated by East London on tourist service 15 from Trafalgar Square to Tower Hill until 1830 Monday to Sunday daytimes.They have Cummins engines and are owned by TfL. RM1933 is operating in maroon and platinum commemorative livery in 2008, to celebrate 75 years of London Transport and the centenary of Bow garage. Updated July 2007.
Merseyside
Liverpool
HKF 151
ALD 978B
Routemasters RM1289 (ex 289 CLT, XSL 596A) entered service on local routes with Aintree Coachline in early 2004. RM1978 was added later in the year. Updated May 2009.
Norfolk
Holt
CUV 151C Routemaster RM2151, owned by Awaydays, is used on the "Holt Flyer" between Holt Station (of the North Norfolk Railway) and Holt town centre. Updated April 2006.
Norfolk
Great Yarmouth
JJD 480D
NML 623E
SMK 717F
Routemaster Eastern Counties usually run Routemasters on Great Yarmouth sea front service 3 during the summer months (May-September). You can check the timetable at the Firstgroup website www.firstgroup.com/timetables.php. Use in 2008 has been less consistent but they were being used in August. The vehicles are RML2480 in red/cream 'Eastern Counties' livery, RML2623 in yellow/green 'Flying Banana' livery, and RML2717 in blue/cream 'Great Yarmouth Transport' livery. Updated September 2008.
North Wales
Caernarfon
LPT 328 Regal III Burlingham bodied coach LPT 328 runs nostalgic day and half-day tours with Silver Star of Caernarfon. Also available for private hire. May 2003.
Northumberland
Alnwick
JJD 528D Routemaster Dreadnought Buses of Alnwick, operator of summer vintage bus services around the Northumberland coast, acquired RML2528 at the end of 2009. February 2010.
Northumberland
Tynemouth
MFF 580 Routemaster Former RM931 (ex WLT 931) ran on the free service 444 Tynemouth-Whitley Bay in summer 2007, alongside an open-topper, and will hopefully reappear in 2008.
Scotland
Edinburgh

JSJ 729 (1)
VLT 163 (2)
VLT 235 (3)
JSJ 746 (4)
JSJ 747 (5)
JSJ 748 (6)
VLT 143 (7)
VLT 237 (8)
VLT 242 (9)
VLT 281 (10)
CUV 241C (11)
CUV 248C (12)
CUV 203C (18)

Open and closed top Routemasters

13 closed and open-top Routemasters are in the fleet of Lothian Transport owned Mac Tours.

In use are numbers 1-10, ex Original London Tour extended length open top Routemasters, ex ERM94, ERM163, ERM235, ERM90, ERM84, ERM80, ERM143, ERM237, ERM242, ERM281; and part open top RCL2241 (11) and RCL2248 (12), originally Greenline coaches with platform doors. Former closed top RM2203 (18) has been returned to service as a part open-topper with platform doors.

Former reserve fleet open top RMs 2210, 1803, 1858, 371 (13-16, the first three from East Yorkshire), closed top RMC1485 (17) and two former BEA closed top forward entrance models 19 and 20, were sold to Ensign in 2009. Updated March 2009..

Scotland
Hamilton area
VMP 10G Reliance bus WJC Buses of Chapelhall sometimes use this preserved Reliance/Alexander bus on services linked to Hamilton Academy, and have repainted it in their livery. More details of this fascinating vehicle can be found on the Preservation page. Updated October 2008.
Scotland
Greenock-Clydebank
HSL 660
JJD 467D
Open and closed top Routemasters Wilson of gourock (Scottish Travel) closed top Routemaster RML2467works Wednesday/Saturday service 22 Greenock-Clydebank, and open top sister RML981 is available for special duties and hires. Updated June 2009.
Staffordshire
Hanley
CUV 327C Routemaster RML2327 may be found running on RML Travel's Hanley local service 40, although the regular vehicle is now a Dennis Dart. Updated November 2006.
Sussex
East Grinstead and Kingscote
CUV 317C Routemaster Scania engined Routemaster RML2317, painted in country green livery, has passed from Metrobus to Brighton & Hove, but continues to run on the 473 East Grinstead - Kingscote Bluebell Railway service on special event days. It is also available for contracts and private hires. Updated March 2008.
Sussex
Kingscote
NLE 882 Regent III The Bluebell Railway bought RT3775 from Ensignbus during 2007 for use alongside their steam train services. December 2007.
Yorkshire
York
MFF 578
792 UXA
Open and closed top Routemasters York Pullman are running ex-RM329 (MFF 578) and open-top RM787(792 UXA) on a tour of York. UXA was acquired in 2007 from Quantock of Somerset. Updated October 2007.
Yorkshire
Scarborough
ALM 65B Open top Routemaster East Midland 812 (ex RM2065) runs on the Bowls Green - Promenade open-top service in high summer (end of July to end of August).

AECs in contract and private hire fleets

Operator and location Reg Type Status Date of last rep. Notes
London Bus Bristol, Bristol XVS 830 (VLT 180) Routemaster (RM180) in service 12/2007 For wedding and private hires.
AlphaBus, Milton Keynes, Bucks KXW 495
CUV 106C
SMK 666F
SMK 700F
SMK 711F
Regent III (RT1396)
Routemaster (RM2106)
Routemaster (RML2666)
Routemaster (RML2700)
Routemaster (RML2711)
in service
in service
in service
in service
in service
2/2009
2/2009
2/2009
11/2008
7/2009
Available for wedding and private hires. Also used at running days. RML2700 is ex Memory Lane and RML2711 was bought from preservation.
Carousel Buses, High Wycombe, Bucks CSL 498 (JXN 9)
CUV 198C
WLT 896
Regent III (RT981)
Routemaster (RM2198)
Routemaster (RML896)
acquired
in service
in service
10/2007
12/2009
12/2009

for private hires and normal service
for private hires and normal service
ThisBus.com, Haddenham, Bucks CUV 261C
JJD 394D
JJD 408D
Routemaster (RML2261)
Routemaster (RML2394)
Routemaster (RML2408)
in service
in service
acquired ex preservation
12/2008
12/2008
6/2009
For wedding and private hires. Also used at running days. A Leyland Titan is also owned.
Regency Road, Northwich, Cheshire EUU 117J Reliance/Plaxton in service 7/2009 Used for European tours. will run a 29-day tour to Scandinavia in 2011 and to the Russian States in 2012.
Routemaster Buses, Crewe, Cheshire 490 CLT
ALM 59B
JJD 418D
JJD 513D
Routemaster (RMC1490)
Routemaster (RM2059)
Routemaster (RML2418)
Routemaster (RML2515)
in service
in service
in service
in service
10/2008
10/2008
10/2008
10/2008
Wedding and private hire vehicles
King Harry Coaches, Falmouth, Cornwall AFJ 77B
KGH 230G
Reliance/Harrington
Reliance/Plaxton
in service (semi preserved)
in service
10/2005
1/2010
for private hire use

Western Greyhound, Newquay, Cornwall 783 DYE
69 CLT
NMY 648E
MLL 528 (ex MLL 589)
Routemaster OT (RM1783)
Routemaster (RM1069)
Routemaster (RMA11)
Regal IV (RF141)
for special events
for special events
for special events
for special events
8/2008
8/2008
8/2008
8/2008
All in heritage fleet for special events, which include some running days on Newquay services (see photos of June 2008 event). Greenline Regal RF141 was reregistered some time in the past. Preserved RML2737 is also owned.
Bowmans Coaches, Carlisle, Cumbria JVY516
RFX 747R
RGS 95R
ANA 5T
RHN 888R
TDK 140S
OWU 526
AYC 862S
LUI 2617 (NCE 123R)
YEW 380T
Regal III/Barnaby
Reliance/Plaxton
Reliance/Plaxton
Reliance/Plaxton
Reliance/Plaxton
Reliance/Plaxton
Reliance/Plaxton
Reliance/Plaxton
Reliance/Plaxton
Reliance/Plaxton
in preparation for service
in service
in service
acquired
awaiting engine
awaiting bodywork attn.
awaiting engine
in service, ex Lakeland
acquired
acquired

10/2002
1/2001
1/2001
2/2004
1/2001
1/2001
1/2001
2/2002
6/2002
9/2005

Information from proprietor. Visits welcome - ring 016974 73262.
OWU 526 to receive turbo engine.
Midland Classic Coaches, Church Gresley, Derbyshire 798 UXA (168 CLT)
Routemaster (RM1168)
in service
8/2008
Used for wedding hires and tours.
Route 24 Buses, Bournemouth, Dorset VLT 24 Routemaster (RM24) in service for private hire and weddings 1/2008 Still AEC engined and in original condition
Shaftesbury & District, Shaftesbury, Dorset 654 DYE
JJD 483D
KGJ 403D
OLD 564
MXX 398
Routemaster (RM1654)
Routemaster (RML2483)
Routemaster (RMA29)
Regent III (RT4777)
Regal IV (RF421)
in service for private hire
in service for private hire
in service for private hire
in service for private hire
in service for private hire

6/2008
11/2009
6/2008
6/2008
6/2008

RMA29 is numbered RME1 by S&D). RML2483 acquired from Toogoods Wedding Hire of Salisbury 11/2009. All in service for private hire and weddings.

Ensignbus, Purfleet,
Essex
RT3232 at Brentwood ona special service in April 2009

DLU 92
JXC 194

JXC 432
KGK 758
KYY 961
NXP 775
MXX 261
VLT 25
CUV 220C
CUV 226C
JJD 402D
JJD 405D
NMY 634E
MLL 952

Regent O661 (STL2093)
Regent III (RT1431)
Regent III (RT624)
Regent III (RT1499)
Regent III (RT3232)
Regent III (RT4421)
Regent III low height (RLH61)
Routemaster (RM25)
Routemaster (RCL2220)
Routemaster (RCL2226)
Routemaster (RML2402)
Routemaster (RML2405)
Routemaster (RMA50)
Regal IV (RF315)

heritage fleet
preserved/special duties
preserved/special duties
preserved/special duties
preserved/special duties
preserved/special duties
preserved/special duties
preserved/special duties
heritage fleet
heritage fleet
private hire
private hire
heritage fleet
under restoration
4/2009
4/2009
4/2009
4/2009
4/2009
4/2009
12/2006
12/2006
9/2009
7/2006
6/2006
5/2008
5/2009
11/2007

Occasionally appear on tube/bus replacement and special services. Cravens bodied RT1431 was returned to PSV standard in 2005 and Cravens RT1499 is on green. Prewar RT8 (FXT 183) was acquired in 2006 for restoration to PSV status. The ex Memory Lane RF will be restored to PSV status in red. The STL was acquired ex preservation in 2009.

Seven former Lothian Buses (Mac Tours) Routemasters were bought in 2009, of which RMA50 (NMY 634E) joined the heritage fleet and RMC1485 (TAS 417), RM371 (WLT 371) are expected to do so.

Hunn (Travel With Hunny), Essex PVS 828 (18 CLT) Routemaster (RM1018) acquired 3/2009 Previously with Carters, Ipswich. Hunn's previous Routemaster, RML884, was sold to Imperial in 2008.
Imperial, Rainham,
Essex
JXC 149
641 DYE
254 CLT
CUV 239C
WLT 884
AST 416A (WLT 909)
VFV 907R
Regent III (RT786)
Routemaster (RM1641)
Routemaster (RMF1254)
Routemaster (RCL2239)
Routemaster (RML884)
Routemaster (RM909)
Reliance/Plaxton
wedding/private hire
wedding/private hire
wedding/private hire
wedding/private hire
stored out of service
acquired
stored out of service
1/2008
1/2008
1/2008
1/2008
5/2008
9/2007
5/2008
Also owned are RT lookalike Leyland PD2s RTL1256 and RTW KXW 435


Taken over with Hunn business.
Ex Abbott, Blackpool
London Heritage Travel, Rettendon, Essex 462 CLT
ALD 989B
JJD 411D
JJD 588D
SMK 714F
Routemaster (RMC1462)
Routemaster (RM1989)
Routemaster (RML2411)
Routemaster (RML2558)
Routemaster (RML2714)
wedding/private hire
wedding/private hire
wedding/private hire
wedding/private hire
wedding/private hire

4/2009
1/2008
1/2008
1/2008
1/2008

acquired from Nostalgiabus
named Franscesca
named Judith
named Danielle
named Trudy
Talisman, Great Bromley, Essex JJD 535D Routemaster (RML2535) in service 10/2007 special duties
Stagecoach Cheltenham & Gloucester, Gloucs NML 659E Routemaster (RML2659) in service 10/2007 Heritage vehicle, occasionally works contract/special services
Warners Bus and Coach, Gloucs WLT 713 (SMK 721F) Routemaster (RML2721) in service for private hire 7/2009 Info from proprietor. To hire telephone 01684 292108.
Routemaster Hire, Knebworth, Hertfordshire JJD 374D
JJD 390D
JJD 548D
JJD 591D
Routemaster (RML2374)
Routemaster (RML2390)
Routemaster (RML2548)
Routemaster (RML2591)
in service
unlicensed
in service
unlicensed
11/2007
11/2007
11/2007
11/2007
For weddings and private hire. RML2374/2390 acquired from First Devon & Cornwall.
Sullivan, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire/London 69 CLT
CUV 272C
JJD 428D
JJD 429D
Routemaster (RM1069)
Routemaster (RML2272)
Routemaster (RML2428)
Routemaster (RML2429)
in service (LT red livery)
in service (1980s livery)
in service (Lincoln green)
acquired
9/2009
10/2009
5/2006
4/2005
For promotional work and occasional rail replacement. A Regent (RT1107) is also owned but not in service.
Gilkes, West Kingsdown, Kent WKG 287
LCX 159W
Reliance/Willowbook bus
Reliance/Plaxton
acquired
acquired
1/2005
12/2004
bought from Quantock
Go-coach Hire, Swanley, Kent SMK 699F Routemaster (RML2699) in service 8/2008  
Redroute Buses, Northfleet, Kent 255 UXO (WLT 888)
799 DYE
Routemaster (RML888)
Routemaster (RM1799)
acquired
acquired
10/2006
7/2009
acquired from Arriva London
acquired ex preservation
Routemaster Travel South, Gillingham, Kent

WLT 898
WLT 357

Routemaster (RML898)
Routemaster (RM357)
in service for private hire
in service for private hire
6/2008
6/2008

ex Blue Triangle
ex Watford & District
both retain AEC engines

London Bus Company Ltd
Kent/London
RT3026 at Warley village in April 2009
KXW 171
KYY 527
KYY 957
LLU 670
LYR 854
MXX 289
VLT 268
VLT 298
EAS 543 (ex WLT 752)
254 UXO (ex WLT 897)
215 UXJ (ex WLT 899)
WLT 900
CUV 260C
NMY 631E
HKL 836
Regent III (RT3062)
Regent III (RT1700)
Regent III (RT3228)
Regent III (RT3871)
Regent III open-top (RT3435)
Regal IV (RF401)
Routemaster (RM268)
Routemaster open-top (RM298)
Routemaster (RM752)
Routemaster (RM897)
Routemaster (RM899)
Routemaster (RM900)
Routemaster (RCL2260)
Routemaster (RMA48)
Regal open-top
preserved/special duties
preserved/special duties
preserved/special duties
preserved/special duties
wedding/private hire
wedding/private hire
preserved/special duties
acquired
wedding/private hire
private hire
preserved/special duties
wedding/private hire
preserved/special duties
preserved/special duties
wedding/special duties
4/2009
7/2008
4/2009
4/2009
4/2009
12/2009
7/2008
9/2009
7/2008
12/2009
7/2008
7/2008
10/2009
7/2008
1/2008

All are generally confined to special duties and running days, and also appear regularly at rallies.
They do sometimes make guest appearances on TfL extras during tube strikes.
RM298 (VLT 298), RM900 (WLT 900), open top RT3435 (LYR 854) and Regal HKL 836 form the Private Hire / Wedding fleet. RM897 is in a pink advertising livery.
They can also be seen at film set locations, often in the Blackfriars area.
Leyland Titan KGK 575, which looks like an RT, is also operational.

Three preserved AEC Swifts are also owned, along with preserved RTs 1320 (KLB 569), 1389 (KXW 488), 2799 (LYR 969), 2911(MLL 658), 3933 (LLU 372) and tree lopper STL1470 (CXX 457). RTs 1240 (KGK 709), 1658 (KXW 304), 4823 (OLD 587) are used for spares. Preserved Routemasters are RML893 (WLT 893), RML902 (WLT 902), RM1009 (9 CLT), RM1936 (ALD 936B). Routemasters RM85 (VLT 85), RM111 (111 CLT), RM646 (WLT 646), RM1979 (ALD 979B), RML2331 (CUV 331C) and RML2413 (JJD 413D) are in stock but not operational or officially preserved. Out of service open top RML2621 and RML2729 were bought from Ireland in November 2008.
Updated December 2009.

Marshopper, New Romney, Kent JJD 532D Routemaster in service for private hire use and hire to other operators

12/2009

Also works rail replacement services on occasion.
RML2285 also owned but non-operational
Old London Bus, Kent/London NLE 918
KYY 872
Regent III (RT3028)
Regent III (RT3413)
Both acquired for preservation and public service 6/2008  
Morecambe Heritage Bus, Morecombe, Lancashire KTF 591 Regent III open-top in service for heritage/p.h. work   Ex Morecambe & Heysham RT style Regent, recently returned to service for scenic tours and private hire
South Lancs Travel, Leigh, Lancashire WWN 191
MMY 991C
Reliance/Harrington Cav.
Reliance/Harrington Gren.
both being prepared for heritage p.h. work
2007
2007
new Neath & Cardiff
new to Valliant
both still shown in fleetlist Nov 2007 but were for sale by auction in August 2007
Confidence Bus Company, Leicester WLT 655 Routemaster in service 6/2003 For schools and works contracts
Wilby, Hibaldstow, Lincolnshire

LCB 603G
SNM 77R
REK 925R
KBW 322S

Reliance/Plaxton
Reliance/Plaxton
Reliance/Duple
Reliance/Duple
withdrawn
withdrawn
withdrawn
withdrawn
4/2007
4/2007
4/2007
4/2007
were in service at the time of transfer of Wilby's operations from East Yorkshire in May 2006, but now out of use and reported derelict at Wressle

Dodd, Belton, Lincolnshire

AUA 435J Reliance/Plaxton in service 12/2001  
ACE Travel, Bootle, Liverpool 240 AJB
254 UXO (WLT 897)
Regent V/Park Royal
Routemaster (RML897)
on loan from preservation
for special events
5/2008
5/2008
for special use as heritage vehicles
Arriva London, London
RM6 at the Alton rally in August 2009

VLT 5
VLT 6
VYJ 806 (124 CLT)
CUV 217C
453 CLT
464 CLT
WLT 901
CUV 355C
CUV 360C

Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster

for special events
for special events
for special events
for special events
for special events
for special events
for special events
for special events
for special events
11/2005
11/2005
11/2005
11/2005
7/2007
11/2005
11/2005
11/2005
7/2007
RMs 5, 6, 1123, 2217, RMC 1453/64 and RMLs 901, 2355 and 2360 are in the Arriva London special operations fleet. RM2217 ran the official "last Routemaster" journey on the 159. RMC1453 and RML2360 are pictured at the Alton rally in July 2007.
First London, London 510 CLT
650 DYE
SMK 735F
Routemaster open-top
Routemaster
Routemaster
for special events
for special events
for special events
9/2006
4/2007
7/2006
Open-top RMC1510, silver SRM3 (RM1650) and RML2735 are in the First London special operations fleet.
International Coachlines, Thornton Heath, London VLT 259
SMK 710F
SMK 727F
Routemaster (RM259)
Routemaster (RML2710)
Routemaster (RML2727)
in service
in service
in service
10/2009
3/2007
3/2007
For private hires and occasional use on school contracts
London Central and London General, London VLT 9
215 UXJ (WLT 887)
WLT 516 (CUV 283C)
CUV 305C
JJD 593D
NML 604E
SMK 725F
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
for special events
for special events
for special events
for special events
for special events
for special events
for special events
11/2005
11/2005
11/2005
11/2005
11/2005
11/2005
11/2005
RM9, RM887, DRM2516 (ex RML2283) and RMLs 2305, 2593, 2604, 2725 are in the commercial fleet for special events. RML2283 received the platform doors and registration number from DRM2516 and now carries that number itself.
London United, London WLT 880 Routemaster (RML880) for private hire 7/2006 The first RML, still known as ER880 and now in red following a spell in special livery.
Metroline, London

WLT 903
513 CLT

Routemaster (RM903)
Routemaster (RMC1513)
for special events
for special events (was used on service 318 in March 2008)
10/2005
4/2008
Both retain AEC engines and original tungsten lights and appear at rallies as well as special events
Omnibuzz, London/Guildford JJD 406D Routemaster (RML2406) for private hire 12/2006 Omnibuzz are based in London. The RML is kept in Guildford at Countryliner's premises.
Timebus Travel,
London/St. Albans

MXX 223
MXX 468
WLT 450
WSJ 737 (WLT 479)
ALD 871B
KGD 612D
CUV 263C
CUV 310C
JJD 389D
JJD 404D
JJD 442D
JJD 527D
OYM 453A (VLT 29)
477 CLT
NMY 646E

Regent, ex RLH23
Regal IV, ex RF491
Routemaster (open-top)
Routemaster (open-top)
Routemaster
Routemaster (ex BEA RMA37)
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster
Routemaster (RM29)
Routemaster coach (RMC1477)
Routemater (ex BEA RMA46)
in service
in service
in service
in service
in service (silver)
in service
in service
in service
in service
in store
acquired
in service
in service
in service (red)
acquired

10/2008
10/2008
10/2008
10/2008
10/2008
10/2008
7/2006
7/2006
8/2007
7/2006
2/2008
7/2006
8/2007
10/2008
4/2009

All in service vehicles are available for private hire. RMA46 (numbered RMA9 here) is acquired from Mac Tours via Ensignbus.
Also owned is former RLH44 last used as a uniform store, RLH29 (undergoing rebuild), RLH32 and RLH48 (preserved and rallied), Routemaster coach RCL2221 (available for hire as a static vehicle), and a Leyland PS1, JXC 282 (TD89).
The Wedding Bus!
Northamptonshire
VLT 188
WLT 882
Routemaster (RM188)
Routemaster (ER882)
in service
in service
9/2008
9/2008
both for weddings and private hire
Chain Bridge Honey Farm, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland JJD 416D
JJD 554D
Routemaster (RML2416)
Routemaster (RML2554)
in service
in service
9/2008
9/2008
both for private hire in the Northumberland and Scottish Lowlands areas
Wright Travel, Newark, Nottinghamshire SVS 618 (WLT 548) Routemaster (RM548) acquired 9/2007  
Exclusive Cars, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire ALM 30B
SSL 806 (VLT 121)
Routemaster (RM2030)
Routemaster (RM121)
in service
acquired
8/2006
9/2006
for wedding and corporate hire
Hutt, Finstock, Oxon CUV 266C Routemaster (RML2266) acquired 5/2009 intended use unknown
Anderson, Langholm, Scotland 112 VMX (LME 413P) Reliance/Plaxton in service 4/2004  
Wedding Belles, Beith, Scotland

WLT 759
JJD 365D
JJD 486D
JJD 553D
SMK 677F

Routemaster (RM759)
Routemaster (RML2365)
Routemaster (RML2486)
Routemaster (RML2553)
Routemaster (RML2677)
acquired/in service
acquired/in service
acquired/in service
acquired/in service
acquired/in service
4/2009
4/2009
4/2009
4/2009
4/2009
Acquired from the First Glasgow contract/sightseeing operation along with some open-top Atlanteans. Some or all available for hire. These are part of the Michael Roulston (Glasgow City Transport) collection. Also on site is preserved Routemaster RML2271 and Regal RF530 (MLL 948).
Kiwi Luxury, Creetown, Scotland DKY 866V Reliance/Plaxton in service 4/2004  
McCalls Coaches, Lockerbie, Scotland VPY 589 (WNP 444V) Reliance/Van Hool (rebody?) in service 4/2004 similar VFY 770 (EGS171T) scrapped in 2006
Shuttle Buses, Kilwinning, Scotland 875 YYA Reliance/Plaxton in service 5/2006 for school contract to Stewarton Academy
Stagecoach, Perth, Scotland EDS 50A Routemaster in service - private hire and heritage services 4/2009 Now repainted in Alexander livery. For hire, contact Allan Condie, Stagecoach Vintage Fleet Co-ordinator on 01738 446200.
Wilson, Gourock, Scotland HSL 660 (WLT 981)
JJD 467D
Routemaster OT (RML981)
Routemaster (RML2467)
in service
in service
1/2008
1/2008
The Inverclyde service ceased during 2007, so current use is limited
WJC Buses, Hamilton, Scotland VMP 10G Reliance/Alexander bus in service/preserved 10/2008 Sometimes used on contracts including Hamilton - Strathaven Academy, and painted in WJC livery. More details of this fascinating vehicle can be found on the Preservation page.
Bath Bus, Bath, Somerset SMK 665F Routemaster (RML2665) acquired 3/2008 Use unconfirmed but they run open-top tours of Bath so it may be the rainy day backup
Big Red Bus, Milborne Port, Somerset NMY 662E
NMY 665E
Routemaster
Routemaster
acquired
acquired
4/2006
4/2006
acquired from Shaftesbury & District
Quantock Motor Services, Wiveliscombe, Somerset JTE 546
DPV 65D
ACH 441
JFM 575
CFK 340
Regent III
Regent V/Neepsend
Regal/Windhover
Regal/ECW
Regal/Burlingham
heritage fleet
in service
in service
in service
heritage fleet
3/2007
3/2007
3/2007
5/2007
5/2009
special services only
wedding hires etc.
wedding hires etc.
wedding hires etc.
An AEC Regent V/Weymann is owned but only as a source of spare body parts for a Leyland PD3
Taylor, Tintinhull, Somerset TIJ 687 (VRY 935S) Reliance/Plaxton unlicensed 9/2003 acquired from Quantock
Nippy Bus, Yeovil, Somerset VLT 191 Routemaster (RM191) in service 3/2008 for private hires and weddings
David Coaches, Pontycymmer, South Wales YPL 64T Reliance/Duple in service 7/2001 ex Leisurelink in 2001
Hollinshead, Biddulph, Staffordshire EPM 127V Reliance/Duple in service 5/2002 new as Greenline RB127
Regency Road Touring, Northwich, Staffs WFR 167K Reliance/Plaxton in service 2/2003 ex Abbott, Blackpool, for tour work
RML Travel, Stoke, Staffordshire CUV 327C Routemaster (RML2327)
in service 5/2006 for special events/private hire/ weddings
Memory Lane, Surrey/Berkshire KYY 628
VLT 216
469 CLT
LYF 377

Regent III (RT1790)
Routemaster (RM216)
Routemaster (RMC1469)
Regal IV (RF26)

in service
in service
in service
in service
12/2009
12/2009
10/2007
12/2009
All for special events/private hire/ weddings.
Company is based in Maidenhead but vehicles are garaged in Surrey. RMC1469 carries Greene Lane fleetnames.
Countryliner, Guildford, Surrey CUV 107C Routemaster (RM2107) in service 1/2010 acquired ex preservation
Safeguard, Guildford, Surrey 200 APB Reliance preserved but in service for special events 10/2009 For special events/private hire/ weddings. Was new to Safeguard and repurchased by them in about 2003.
Red Baron Transport Services (Classic Country Bus), Surrey/West Sussex NLE 644 Regal IV (RF644) in service 9/2008 For wedding and private hires. Restored to service in 2008. Company seems to be associated with Memory Lane as a pocture of RF644 also appears on that website.
Renown, Bexhill, E. Sussex CUV 324C Routemaster (RML2324) status unknown 3/2009 Was formerly with sister company Cavendish of Eastbourne prior to takeover by Stagecoach.
Pavilion Coaches, Hove,
E. Sussex
NLE 701 Leyland RTL in service for wedding hires etc. 6/2006 not actually an AEC but listed here for people looking for a wedding hire bus in Sussex
Unknown Operator, E. Sussex VLT 259 Routemaster (RM259) in service 9/2008 Was spotted on a wedding hire in Sept 2008
Promotion Buses, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear JJD 546D Routemaster (RML2546) in service 4/2007 used for wedding hires etc.
LondonBus4Hire, Monmouthshire, Wales JJD 583D Routemaster (RML2583) in service for private hire 7/2009  
Midland Red South, Stratford, Warwickshire JJD 565D Routemaster (RML2565) in service, for Private Hire use 4/2007 Acquired with takeover of Stratford Blue from Ensign
Wheels, Nuneaton, Warwickshire AFN 767B Regent V acquired 8/2004  
Albion Coaches/ Wednesbury Coaches, West Bromwich,West Midlands OKY 63R
Reliance/Plaxton
in service 10/2002  
Coastal Liner, Wolverhampton, West Midlands CUV 275C Routemaster acquired 2004 but remains out of use 6/2008 intended use unknown
Abbeyways, Halifax,
West Yorkshire
SIB 7882 (EBM 446T) Reliance/Plaxton acquired 12/2001  
Corbetts Travel,
Sheffield, S. Yorkshire
A197 PPU Reliance/Berkhof rebody currently out of use but planned to return to service 10/2009 New to East Kent (HFN 28L).
Halifax Joint Committee, Halifax, West Yorkshire LJX 198
PFN 858
MDJ 918E
214 CLT
Regent V/Weymann
Regent V/Park Royal
Regent V/MCW
Routemaster (RM1214)
in service, as heritage veh.
in service, as heritage veh.
in service, as heritage veh.
in service, as heritage veh.
12/2007
12/2007
8/2008
12/2007
The three Regents new to Hebble, East Kent and St. Helens, and RM1214 remain in the heritage fleet alongside two Leyland PD2 open-toppers
Just Travel of York, York, Yorkshire EPM 150V Reliance/Plaxton in service for private hire and weddings 10/2009 Restored to service in JT livery (pictured in the livery of former owner Andersons). Was the last ever Greenline AEC.
KBMT, Keighley, West Yorkshire XYJ 418 (WLT 736) Routemaster (RM736) in service 2/2007 for private hire and weddings
Geldards, Leeds,
W. Yorkshire
SMK 702F Routemaster (RML2702) in service 10/2006 for private hire and weddings
Millenium Travel (Keats), Sheffield, S. Yorkshire TIL 8638 (A806 RNW) Reliance/Berkhof rebody withdrawn 5/2008 New to E. Kent (HFN 54L).
David Palmer Travel, Normanton, W. Yorkshire JJD 531D Routemaster (RML2531) acquired 9/2008 Previously with Saltaire Travel
Elanton, Stourport,
Worcestershire
WJH 322M Reliance/Plaxton in service 1/2002  
Stagecoach reserve Routemasters CUV 286C
JJD 450D
NML 607E
NML 641E
SMK 671F
SMK 738F
  Not in service but with the potential to do so if required, Stagecoach has RML2286, 2450, 2607, 2641, 2671, 2738 stored at Workington and Carlisle in the northwest. 6/2009  

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the following people for contributing information to this page and the Preserved AECs page: Geoff, Pat Avery (Big Red Bus Company), Jonathan Bale, Richard Alan Bell, Howard Berry, Gavin Bishop, Terry Blackman, Gavin Bowker, Martin Bott, Andrew Bowman (Bowmans Coaches), the late Julian Brinkworth, Keith Brown (Old London Bus), Ken Brown, Roger Brown (Shaftesbury & District), Dave Brundrit (RML Travel), John Burch, Paul Burgess, Philip Clarke, Arthur Clegg, Stacey Collins, Gerry Cork, Michael Creegan, Tom Cunnington (Classic Country Bus), Martin Detheridge (LondonBus4Hire), Richard Dodge, Phil Drake, John Emmens, David Ferguson (East Kent Heritage), Stuart Fleet (Timebus Travel), Don Flockhart, George Fok, Richard Francis, Duane Fryer, Mike Fuller (The Wedding Bus!), John Gaff, Jerry Gibb, Andy Gilmour, Dave Godley, Terry Gower, Ewan Gray, John Harvey, Mark Hastilow, Lawrence Hayward, Mac Head, Patrick Holder, Mark Howarth (Western Greyhound), Edward Jacobs, Colin Janes, David Kat, Chris Kilby (Route 24 Buses), Nigel Lamport, Carl Lombardelli, Charles Looker, David Lord (Morecambe Heritage Bus) Bob Lunney (Nippybus), M&D and East Kent Bus Club, Scott McAvoy, Ian McKinnnon, Chris Meads, P.D. Monk, Stephen Morriss (Cumbria Classic Coaches), Allan Morse, Keith Nason, Roy Naylor, Maurice Orme, Marcus Perry, Mark Plant, Phil Platt, Bob Potter (Local Haunts), Jim Prescott, Colin Read, Simon Reed, Regent101, Dave Robinson, Vince Sayer, Craig Schofield, Suzy Scott, Richard Sharman, Kevin Simms, James Simpson (Just Travel of York), James Skeate, Ron Smart, Eric Speckman, Michael Spriggs, Tom Stanhope (Byeways), Barry Stockley, John Swift, Colin Swinson, Darryl Sullivan, Andy at TAG Publications, Mike Tamkin (Alphabus), Matthew Taylor, Steve Taylor, Sholto Thomas, Derek Thomson, John Wakefield, Rikkie Wakelin (Saltaire Travel), Nick Warner (Warners Bus & Coach), Alan Warren, Martin Watts, Brian Way, James Weatherall, West Yorkshire UK buses, Phil Willson, Bob Wingrove, Andrew Withers, Andrew Wright... and anyone else I forgot to acknowledge.

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