This is the true meaning of a hop-on, hop-off bus. And where my early solo travel began.
On the days I was feeling adventurous, bunking off French (or both), I’d hop on the 73 bus from Tottenham Swan and ride it all the way to Victoria. It cost all of 30p.
But, like with all good things, the Old Routemaster was taken out of action in 2005. I remember reading about it in the newspaper and feeling gutted.
Of course, route 73 still runs, only now there’s a newer artsy-fartsy version of the bus. Still, who’s got time for that?
Anyway, seeing the Old Routemaster still sparks joy. I snapped this one for the memories.
It was hired for a wedding, so no chance of some year 9 boy, jumping off and falling flat on his face (facts!).
But, the emphatic conducter’s “All change please…all change!” is a call that will live on in my mind.
More than I’d care to admit.