This is the full text of a TfL press release, dated 9 September,
relating to the new Routemaster Heritage routes.


--------------------
Heritage route contracts awarded

Routemasters will finally leave front-line service with London Buses by
the end of 2005, but they will still be seen in the Capital on heritage
routes.

Contracts for two Heritage Routemaster services have now been awarded
by Transport for London to the bus operators First Group and
Stagecoach.


The contracts have been awarded for the following proposed routes:

* Trafalgar Square - Strand - Fleet Street - Ludgate Hill - Cannon
Street - Eastcheap - Tower Hill

To be operated by Stagecoach under contract to Transport for London.


* Royal Albert Hall - Kensington Road - Knightsbridge - Piccadilly -
Trafalgar Square - Strand - Aldwych

To be operated by First Group under contract to Transport for London.

It is proposed that the routes would both operate every 15 minutes,
between about 0930 and 1830, seven days a week.

The vehicles used would be Routemaster buses owned by TfL.

The final details of the services, including the names or numbers given
to the routes, are still to be confirmed.

Five buses will be used for each route, and three extra buses will be
kept in reserve, totalling 16 Routemasters across both Heritage routes.

About 50 drivers and conductors in total will be employed by First and
Stagecoach.

Standard fares will apply on both services, and all valid Bus Passes,
Travelcards, freedom passes, Oyster Cards and Saver Tickets will be
accepted.

The proposed introduction date for the services is likely to be during
November 2005.

Ends
--------------------
Link to press release on TfL website:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/press-cent...t.asp?prID=501
--------------------