London Bus Museum is pleased to confirm that the planned Route 65 event will go ahead on Sunday 11th April 2021, always subject to further changes in Government regulations and advice. With the end of the ‘stay at home’ rule on 29 March, limited local travel will be permitted. As planned, the event will comprise two elements – a road run by historic vehicles over the route and a free bus service subject to Covid-19 constraints.
Buses in free service will operate with limited passenger numbers. The focus will therefore be on viewing the buses from the roadside, rather than spending all day travelling. Bus crews will be provided the following guidance:
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- Passengers (single or family) to be requested to sit with empty seats in front, beside and behind them. No standing
- Windows to remain open throughout the day
- Touch points to be sanitised between each journey
- Masks mandatory for passengers and crew
- Crews will be encouraged to refuse boarding to potential passengers seen failing to socially distance at bus stops.
Participating buses will include both historic and current buses from the London Bus Museum, private owners and bus operators, the majority being former London Transport RT and Routemaster types. As almost the entire route is within the London Low Emission Zone, participating buses will either meet the new tighter regulations or will be exempt by being Historic tax class or pre-1973. Additional participants are welcome and are requested to contact Peter@Red-RF.com.
The route from Ealing Argyle Road to Leatherhead will follow existing TfL bus routes and the free service serve all relevant stops, as follows: E10 from Ealing Argyle Road to Ealing Broadway, 65 from Ealing Broadway to Kingston Eden Street, 71 from Kingston Eden Street to Hook Parade (White Hart), 465 from Hook Parade to Leatherhead Leisure Centre.
Full route details will be provided to participants. Blinds or other suitable displays will be provided for buses operating in service; non-service buses will be requested not to display route 65 when moving, but may do so for photographs when stationary.
Timetables and more details of participants will be provided in due course here.
21 February 2021
Peter Osborn