Routemaster

The Routemaster double-decker bus was designed by London Transport and built by the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) and Park Royal Vehicles (PRV). The first prototype was completed in 1954 and the last one was delivered in 1968. The layout of the vehicle was traditional for the time, having 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 The first one entered service with London Transport in 1956 and the last ones were withdrawn from mainstream service in 2005, although two heritage routes retain Routemaster operation in central London.