page_title: AEC Routemaster
section_title: Preservation
hierarchical_section_title: AEC Routemaster / Preservation
caption_attribution_description: English: Driver's cab of Routemaster RM2217 with some controls labelled.
context_page_description: The AEC Routemaster is a front-engined double-decker bus that was designed by London Transport and built by the Associated Equipment Company and Park Royal Vehicles. The first prototype was completed in September 1954 and the last one was delivered in 1968. The layout of the vehicle was conventional for the time, with a half-cab, front-mounted engine and open rear platform, although the coach version was fitted with rear platform doors. Forward entrance vehicles with platform doors were also produced as was a unique front-entrance prototype with the engine mounted transversely at the rear.
  The first Routemasters entered service with London Transport in February 1956 and the last were withdrawn from regular service in December 2005, although one heritage route is still operated by Routemasters in central London. The first London bus route to be operated by the Routemaster was route 2, on 8 February 1956, with RM1. The same bus, with a revised front end, appeared at the Lord Mayor's Show in November 1956.
  Most Routemasters were built for London Transport, although small numbers were built for British European Airways and the Northern General Transport Company.
context_section_description: Owing to its design and status, a relatively large number of Routemasters have ended up in the hands of private owners and companies after being withdrawn from use in London.
caption: Driver's cab of RM2217 with some controls labelled
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