RT Farewell - 40 Years On

Many believe that the classic London bus was the RT (AEC Regent III). RT1, the prototype RT entered service in 1939, and this year (2019) celebrates its 80th year. Forty years ago on the 7th April 1979, the last RT ran in service with London Transport from its Barking garage on route 62 which ran from Barkingside to Barking ending 40 years of service from this almost 7,000 strong fleet of buses. On that date in 1979 these grand old buses were sent off in style by the public, enthusiasts and London Transport. Moving ahead 40 years to the 30th March 2019, a celebration took place at Barking to remember the events from forty years ago, when around 40 preserved RT buses assembled at the very same garage to re-live that day in 1979. The garage is now operated by Stagecoach London, as is route 62. So it is with great pleasure that Independent Transport Videos can bring you a programme that features this celebratory event, which also includes archive cine film and a photo gallery from that day in 1979.