The AEC Routemaster is a front-engined double-decker bus designed by London Transport and built by AEC and Park Royal Vehicles from 1954 to 1968. Known for its iconic design, the Routemaster featured a lightweight aluminum body, an open rear platform for quick boarding, and advanced features like independent suspension, power steering, automatic gearbox, and hydraulic brakes.

A total of 2,876 buses were produced, including variants like the longer RML and coach versions with doors for long-distance travel. The Routemaster entered service in 1956 and became a symbol of London’s transport system due to its efficiency and passenger-friendly design.

Most were retired by 2005 due to accessibility requirements, but two heritage routes ran until 2019. The Routemaster remains a British design icon, inspiring the New Routemaster introduced in 2012. Today, over 1,200 are preserved by enthusiasts, showcasing its enduring legacy in public transport history.