Published: 2024-02-02 by, News Team in the Chiswick news category

Iconic Routemaster Bus Event Set for Chiswick Park in 2024

In 2024, RM1, the inaugural Routemaster bus, will mark its seventieth anniversary. To honor this milestone, the Routemaster Association will host RM70, a special free event at Chiswick Park in London on the weekend of July 20th and 21st, 2024.

Many of these iconic buses, now primarily in private ownership, will participate in this family-oriented gathering. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary bus rides between the event grounds and the London Transport Museum in Acton. Photography enthusiasts will find a captivating scene with a lineup of 70 Routemasters on display.

A decade ago, in 2014, the Routemaster Association organized RM60 at Finsbury Park, drawing thousands of visitors. Over 130 Routemasters, some traveling from Europe, graced the event.

Chiswick Park was selected for RM70 due to its historical ties to the Routemaster bus. Before the establishment of the modern business park, the site housed one of London Transport's primary bus maintenance facilities and was renowned for its skid pan, where aspiring drivers underwent training.

The Routemaster Association has confirmed the much-anticipated RM70 event at Chiswick on the former site of London Transport Chiswick Works. Initially planned for Finsbury Park (like previous RM60, RM50, and RM40 events), negotiations with park management revealed insurmountable obstacles, prompting the change in venue. The event will still take place on the scheduled dates of July 20th and 21st, 2024.

John Ward, Chairman of the association, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I am thrilled to announce that RM70 will now be held at the former Chiswick Works site in West London. The historical significance of this location in the development and introduction of the Routemaster bus cannot be overstated. While Finsbury Park was our initial choice, unresolved issues during negotiations led us to seek an alternative. With its excellent facilities and accessibility for both owners and enthusiasts, Chiswick promises a fresh perspective for the event."

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