About The Routemaster Association

With the splitting up of operating subsidiaries of London Buses, and the sale of many Routemasters in the 1980s, there was a growing need for an organisation to provide support for new owners. In 1988, the Routemaster Operators and Owners Association was formed. Its principal aims are to: share knowledge and technical experience provide technical information help with obtaining spare parts provide Routemaster related news cater for historical and preservation interests Since then, the Association has developed into a leader among bus interest and support organisations. It has a broad membership including enthusiasts and prominent figures from the transport industry and bus preservation movement. In 1992 the RMOOA formed a new organisation, the Routemaster Heritage Trust (RHT), to provide secure undercover accommodation for Routemasters and other preserved vehicles. The RHT subsequently gained charitable status. For two years it occupied the former London Transport Twickenham (AB) garage, and at the end of May 1994 they moved to the former Norbiton (NB) garage for a further eight months. This organisation has since become The Classic Bus Heritage Trust. On 24th September 1994, the RMOOA in association with the London Transport Museum organised the largest ever gathering of Routemaster vehicles for the 40th Anniversary celebration of the first Routemaster. In 1996, a commemoration of the 40th anniversary of RM1 entering passenger service took place on 11th February. The Association often organises, or is involved with, a number of events. In 2001 we marked the 45th anniversary of the entry of RM1 into service with a road run from Golders Green to Crystal Palace, following the old number 2 route as closely as possible. The biggest milestone to date was the 50th anniversary of the unveiling of RM1. The RM50 rally was held in Finsbury Park in July 2004 and nearly 100 Routemasters were in attendance.