Lewisham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Heritage buses will run for free next month on route 54 through Blackheath and Lewisham, giving passengers a nostalgic ride back in time.
The event will take place in conjunction with Catford Bus Garage’s open day, which will commemorate the depot’s 111th anniversary of operating the 54 service today.
On Saturday, September 13 from 9.30am to 5pm, buses from the 1930s to 1980s, including the iconic Routemaster and its precursor, the RT, will travel between the Royal Standard and Elmers End Green, serving all stops.
Due to anticipated traffic during the Charlton Athletic vs. Millwall game at The Valley, plans to run to Woolwich had to be canceled. The museum had been organizing the heritage day for months before the fixture date was set, and the SE London derby started at 12.30pm on the same day.
The London Bus Museum, located in Brooklands, Surrey, close to Weybridge, is organizing the event. The goal is to get its collection of cars out of the museum and into the hands of Londoners. It is anticipated that other antique bus owners would follow suit. Although there won’t be any fees, some conductors might sell mementos using their original ticket machines.
The 54 has operated since 1922, but it took a few more years for the route that modern travelers are familiar with to develop. The route ran from Selsdon to Woolwich until 1973, when it was shortened to Croydon.
When Croydon gained its tram network in 2000 the 54 was cut back again, and since then it has run between Elmers End and Woolwich, through Beckenham, Catford, Lewisham, Blackheath and Charlton.
Over the years, there have been additional additions, such as buses to Plumstead Common, Charlton Asda, the former Woolwich Industrial Estate in what is now Thamesmead, and Riddlesdown, which is on the outskirts of Surrey countryside.
Catford Bus Garage, operated by Stagecoach London, has an open day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission is £5, children under 16 are £3, and family tickets are £13. Macmillan Cancer Research will benefit from the sale.
What steps are taken to ensure nostalgic experience on route 54?
Heritage buses dating from the 1950s to the 1980s, including iconic RT-type buses and Routemasters, run alongside the regular service on Route 54. These buses are authentic, preserved vehicles that reflect the design and feel of the London bus fleet from past decades.
Passengers can hop on these vintage buses for free at any Route 54 stop without needing to book in advance, encouraging spontaneous participation and enjoyment of the experience.
The buses operate with traditional elements like conductors issuing old-style paper tickets, open rear platforms on Routemasters, and interiors featuring period-appropriate leather and moquette upholstery. These details vividly recreate the ambience of historic bus travel.