History of RM 848
Our bus RM 848, saw service all over London, totaling around 30 years in two spells. In between these spells, she worked for Blackpool Corporation for 10 years, and then transferred to Reading for 4 years, where she nearly ended her days. Transport for London then decided to buy her back in 2001, and the bus was extensively re-furbished for more years service on the streets of London. RM 848 last saw daily London service in October 2005, when route 38 operating from Clapton garage was converted to “bendi-bus” operation.
Royal Mail have recognised the Routemaster as a British Design Classic in their January 2009 set of stamps. This special issue features the Routemaster alongside Concorde, the Austin Mini, the Mini skirt, the red phone box and the Spitfire, amongst other classics of design.
Those of us lucky enough to own the survivors put a lot of effort into ensuring the Routemaster continues to be seen on the road in the 21st Century, as a reminder of Britain’s proud transport heritage. We have spent some time restoring RM 848 into the condition it was in following its last major re-furbishment in 2001. Thus it is representative of the final fling in service of a bus designed nearly 50 years earlier.
It is this vehicle that Daves Buses offers for your enjoyment, reminiscences and memories for the future, when you travel on board her. We hope it will add that little bit extra to your special day, whatever the occasion.