Here at Secret Londonwe’re always pretty happy to partake in a little bit of transport talk. From trains, tubes, and taxis to bikes, boats, and – today’s topic of conversation – buses; we sure are fond of the handy ways in which we can whizz around our city.
So, if you’re even slightly as enthusiastic about our trusty transport network as we are; what we’re about to tell you will come as wheely great news. On Saturday, March 29 – for one day (and one day only) – a series of vintage London buses will be journeying through the streets of the capital. And you can take a ride on one of them without having to pay a penny.
These free (and oh-so exciting) heritage bus journeys come courtesy of the London Bus Museumalongside some private owners. Between 10am and 5pm on March 29a fleet of vintage buses, dating from the 1950s to the 1980s, will be running in both directions along the number 19 bus route – completely fare-free.
Having been ferrying Londoners between Finsbury Park and Battersea for well over a century, the number 19 route is certainly one of the capital’s oldest. Still following almost exactly the same route as it did when it first started back in 1906the number 19 runs through the likes of Islington, Piccadilly Circus, and Chelsea – offering the chance for some fairly decent sightseeingtoo.
The vintage buses on route will primarily be from the iconic RT-type fleetbut there will also be some more modern bus types that have been used for the number 19 over the years. You won’t need to book your spot on board; just head to a number 19 bus stop, flag one down, and hop aboard. If you’re really lucky, you may even be given an old-school bus ticket from the conductor!
It is worth noting, however, that the regular number 19 buses will still be in operation on March 29 – and these will need to be paid for as usual. The vintage buses also predate the accessible buses we have in London now, and so wheelchairs unfortunately cannot be accommodated on these heritage journeys.
Find out more about the London Bus Museum’s Route 19 Heritage Day here.
