Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE THE BUS?

The cost of Routemaster hire depends on several factors:

• Distance – How far your journey is
• Location – Where the event is to take place, that is, round trip costs from our base. Our vehicles have a maximum speed of around 38 mph.
• Duration – There is a minimum charge covering a three hour hire (i.e. from pick up to final set down). For additional time there is an added charge of £100 per hour or part of. The maximum time only covers trips or waiting that have been agreed when booking made. Changes cannot be made on the day.

The minimum standard hire charge for 2024 is £840. There is no VAT on Private Hire.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

All quotes are fully inclusive, covering use of the bus, driver, conductor, mileage, fuel, insurance. There is no VAT on private hire. For weddings we also include, in the price, white ribbons on the front of the bus and a Wedding Special destination blind.

HOW MANY BUSES DO YOU HAVE?

We are able to provide as many classic Routemaster buses as you require. In the unlikely event that we cannot source all the buses ourselves, we can bring in other vehicles from alternative suppliers (of the same quality as ours).

WHAT KIND OF BUSES ARE THEY?

Without getting too technical, we provide the following types of vintage bus:

• RML Routemaster ( 72 seats, covered top )
• RM  Routemaster ( 64 seats, covered top )
• All buses for private hire are fitted out to the highest standards.

CAN WE DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE BUS?

No, but Champagne, Wine or Prosecco is allowed, but strictly by agreement at the time of booking. We don’t want to spoil the fun, but safety is our top priority. So the following rules apply:

• The hirer is responsible for providing drinks and paper or plastic containers (no glass allowed) soft drinks in plastic bottles only.
• Beer and spirits are strictly banned. Failure to comply with this request will end the hire immediately.
• Only Champagne / wine brought on at the beginning of the hire can be consumed on the bus. No more drink will be allowed on after that.
• The quantity of alcohol should be appropriate for the number of passengers. The crew will have the final say!
• Also, all alcoholic drinks must be consumed from paper or plastic containers. No drinking from bottles or cans.

All the rubbish to be removed at the end of the hire. We reserve the right to charge a damage deposit, at the time of booking, for events that involve drinks on the bus.

WHERE DO YOU OPERATE?

Our main operating area is London and the South-East (Kent, Surrey & East Sussex.) We do not operate outside mainland Britain.

HOW MANY PASSENGERS CAN YOU CARRY?

The maximum capacity of a Routemaster is 72 seated, we are not permitted to take any standing passengers on Private Hire. If you have a large number of people to transport over a short distance, we recommend doing two or more trips with the same bus rather than hiring an extra vehicle. If small children (under 5) are in the total and they can sit on adults laps then up to 5 can be discounted from total. When the bus is full only 2 pushchairs can be carried.

DO YOU WORK AT NIGHT TIME?

We no longer provide late night returns, after 21:00, except by special arrangement for Corporate events.

WHAT IF THE BUS BREAKS DOWN?

All of our Routemaster buses are subject to a rigorous maintenance schedule, it is highly unlikely that your vehicle will let you down. If the worst should happen, our operating partner will provide a replacement bus as soon as possible.

SHOULD WE TIP THE DRIVER?

We are confident that the driver and conductor will contribute to your enjoyment of the occasion. They are a good bunch! A discretionary tip at the end of the hire will be much appreciated if you feel you have been well looked after.

CAN WE DECORATE THE BUS?

If you hire one of our vintage Routemaster buses for a wedding, we will provide wedding ribbons and a ‘Wedding Special’ destination blind as standard. For other requirements, you should let us know at the time of booking and we will arrange to arrive at the pick up point early enough for you to put the decorations up yourselves.

CAN I HAVE A PERSONALISED BLIND?

Personalised blinds can be produced on request to lend a special touch. Let us know at the time of booking and we can order them for you. Please note that there is a lead time of around 10 working days for delivery. These will be invoiced separately from the hire. Expect to pay £50 including vat and delivery for a bespoke blind. Once these are ordered they have to be paid for.

CAN WE HAVE A CONDUCTOR?

When you hire a classic vintage double deck bus, it includes a driver and a conductor. The conductor’s main role and duty is to ensure the safety of the passengers.

WHAT ABOUT WHEELCHAIR ACCESS?

There is no wheelchair access, though wheelchair users are more than welcome, providing there is assistance available to help them on and off and the wheelchair folds for stowing in the vehicle. Passengers may not, however, sit in a wheelchair on the bus.

CAN WE LISTEN TO MUSIC?

Please state at the time of booking that you require music as not all the buses are fitted with PA systems. Some are only fitted for commentary to be given on a tour. Those that can play music now have a Bluetooth connection facility. We cannot guarantee that the bus has a connection for music to be played. Note that whilst being able to play music is ideal our main purpose is transporting your guests from A-B. If the music doesn’t work that we are still carrying out the main task.

DO THE BUSES CARRY EXTERNAL ADVERTS?

Our buses do not carry any external adverts either current or period ones.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY ON THE DAY

We are not aware who your party comprises and to ensure that the hire performs, as you would wish it to, you must nominate a guest to take charge of the loading and checking off of people. We do not want to leave anyone behind. This is particularly important if party is meeting at an hotel or railway station.

We cannot be held responsible for any passengers being left behind. This also applies if more than 1 trip has been asked for and a guest says no need to come back everyone is here and they are not in possession of the full details of the hire. The nominated person should introduce themselves to the crew and from then on only instructions from that person will be actioned.

HOW FAST ARE THE BUSES?

On the open road, most of the buses will cruise at 35-38 mph.

ARE THERE ANY TYPES OF JOB YOU DO NOT UNDERTAKE?

We do not provide our buses for:

• Football / Rugby matches
• Pub crawls
• Stag events
• Late night returns except by special arrangement for Corporate events only

CAN WE BRING DOGS ON THE BUS?

We are happy to allow dogs to travel on our buses. Please let us know if this is something you would like to do.