Pete And His Bus: Would you like to drive a Routemaster?

[@TonyBone-u1n]

Hi Pete I was treated to a 60th birthday present..to drive a routemaster with Expeditional last year at North Weald. It was so easy to drive and it certainly made my day! I love these old buses! I really enjoyed my experience and it was the number 36 I drove on that airfield. A fabulous day I shall always remember..and keep up your excellent work with Lord Barrington!

[@stewartholman6054]

Hi Pete, great show, I am 67 years young. I came from Southall and have fond memories of going to School, and jumping on and off Routemaster Buses. keep up the great work Stewart.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Thank you

[@prez3336]

Got a large collection of London transport ticket punches and machines from the earliest tram days, but never driven a routemaster. Sounds like the best opportunity. 👌

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Now is the time! 😜😂👍

[@markward7361]

Just came across your channel while nursing a back injury, I love these types of channels where people build, restore, repurpose vehicles, I’m no mechanic and I’m not a bus enthusiast either. But your buses are fantastic and they’re a business too so while they look authentic on the outside the inside is where the bar or lounge is, but still keeping some originality. I think you’re doing a fantastic job, and like you said some details are not genuine but as you state they are a working bus not a museum pice. Great work and your videos are great too and now your channel is showing you rescuing old buses as well as you restoring and transforming a bus into a bar. very entertaining keep up the good work 👍. Sorry about any spelling or grammar I have dyslexia.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

I was diagnosed with dyslexia too…. I just ignored it and got in with it! 😜😂 thans for your kind words and thanks for watching 👍

[@martinhaskell376]

Without even seeing the video, the answer is Yes!

[@PeteAndHisBus]

😂😂😂

[@nutsnproud6932]

I have driven many Routemasters in public service. Lovely old beasts before they got re-engined. I'd leave the old girls in 4th (2-3-4th automatic mode) gear and plod along. Those were the days. And a good conductor you came off on time. I was a spare driver on permanent lates for years. I wanted the variety not knowing what turn I get until I signed on.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Lovely memories! Thanks for watching 👍

[@stewartwilkinsonsnr]

So I joined London Transport and after training passed my test at Chiswick and was assigned to Hammersmith Garage, the first bus I drove was the RT with pre select gearbox and no power steering. I was promoted to the Routemaster and my driving experience change for ever. It was a pleasure to get behind the wheel and go from Hammersmith to Fleet Street via Chelsea and Victoria. So I would highly recommend entering this amazing chance to go drive the beautiful Routemaster.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

There ya go! Couldn’t agree more 👍👍

[@JamesRooney-c1p]

As an ex routemaster driver, I wouldn't mind driving it again, oh the nostalgia 😊

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍👍

[@jameslynch165]

Yes flipping please!! Would love to do that, off to the website now 👍😊

[@PeteAndHisBus]

😂😂❤️❤️

[@Cody-zd2ye]

Been a hgv driver 37 years now retired I would love to drive one of these beautiful buses I remember my old man driving them in Blackpool and some had sliding doors. I used to pass a yard I think it was Dartford full of retired London buses weldone with your renovation

[@PeteAndHisBus]

You should have a go and live that dream! 👍👍

[@highpath4776]

Where are you , drivers needed for heritage services

[@iluvcurryandbeer]

Might be worth mentioning that Expeditional are based at North Weald Airfield, Essex. I drove a RML there a couple of weeks ago. Great experience.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Yep that’s them

[@carolotsful]

Yes please ,,,I have driven one around North Weald once great fun ..

[@PeteAndHisBus]

That’s where this will be. We’re working tongetjes with expeditional

[@MrPDoff]

Yes, and then again, yes. I preferred the thinner steering wheel too.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

You better get your raffle ticket then! 😂👍

[@JakeStarAstrella]

I drive a 1974 Dodge Superior 22 foot all steel six ton motorhome with the 440 v8, quite the rare vehicle too. So yes, I would love to take a double decker bus for a spin!

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Well you better get your ticket then hadn’t you!!

[@RoryTV1]

A lifelong dream from going to school on one every morning!❤

[@PeteAndHisBus]

You better sign up

[@RoryTV1]

@@PeteAndHisBus jolly good idea old bean!

[@RoryTV1]

@@PeteAndHisBus done that now fingers and toes crossed!

[@ChrisNF]

Hi Pete, I passed my driving test in a Routemasster in 1999 when I worked for stagecoach Northants, That one was yellow. I’ve since moved to Australia and my UK driving licence has expired. I worked at Corby Depot for year fixing Ex London Leyland Titans until they retired.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

All the experience right there! Nit sure about a yellow RM though haha

[@ChrisNF]

It was used as the training bus. We all had to pass our PSV in it when we went from street shuttle buses to big buses. Your channel brings back some memories

[@fwof3347]

Your licence doesn’t expire, the right to drive does yes, but all you do is renew licence and do a medical then your legal to drive again ., licence never expires.

[@ChrisNF]

Yes true but I live in Australia now, so doesn’t matter now.

[@highpath4776]

​@@ChrisNFu sure rm was a trainer at united counties? They were normally leyland PD2s , UC did have green with yellow diagonal stripe RMs in early days of privatisation

[@AnnetteCarolanFourie]

This is fantastic really like it these busses are lovely

[@PeteAndHisBus]

I’m glad you like it! 👍👍👍

[@martinhaskell376]

Never really been interested in buses or trains except for the RTs and RMs we used to ride on in Northfleet when I was a kid in the 60s. Always wanted to drive one…

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍👍

[@SouthCoastDronesUK]

Great video new subscriber here 🙂Not only would I love to drive that beautiful bus but I'd love to film them running with the drones 🙂

[@PeteAndHisBus]

welcome! 👍

[@sonofdat]

Awsome Pete. What a great opportunity for someone. I'd enter if it includes flights from Australia.. 😅😅

[@PeteAndHisBus]

😂😂😂

[@sonofdat]

@@PeteAndHisBus I'll still buy some merch one day.. 👍

[@3sray1]

My Great Grandfather and Grandfather used to do body work repair (mainly re-painting) on these buses. They would also drive them from one bus garage to another. My Dad told me lots of funny stories of them working together. On one occassion, my Grandfather needed to move a bus out of the garage to move another one in for repairs. As he started the engine, my Great Grandfather said to him "And where do you think you're going?" My Grandfather looked at him and said "Just out of the garage and into the yard". "Oh yeah?! And how do you expect do that without any wheels?" Was the response my Great Grandfather gave. That was the first and last time my Grandfather tried to move a bus without checking to see if it was able to move. Aha

[@PeteAndHisBus]

😂👍

[@njkip]

I've been to that expeditional.....had a great time, a long way from Leeds like but we'll worth it....👍👍

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Excellent! 👍👍

[@waynebuswell8570]

Absolutely! ❤

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍👍

[@waichow5887]

Yes. Although I do not have a medium rigid license, I have to fly from Melbourne Australia

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Bring it on!

[@matthewcravitz8182]

They’re based at North Weald. Excellent company & great fun

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍👍👍

[@jamesswadling543]

i would love to drive one, i have a bus licence as used to drive for stagecoach.. and my grandads used to drive routemasters

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Well you had better enter the draw then!

[@t.r.l.4377]

​@@PeteAndHisBus May you mishandled that....... You might say next time...... for free........show me the license.......n when can you start! Thank me later! ✌️😁

[@petergoodman4922]

Fantastic idea. Thanks for the video as always.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

My pleasure and I wish you luck in the draw!

[@fwof3347]

I used to drive them 5 days a week when I worked for London buses on route 73 .. best bus I ever drove and after that the Leyland Titan

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍👍👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

The Titan had a Gardner and were good to drive so I was told. The MCW had the same engine but similarity ended there. Some liked them others didn't. They were simpler to maintain than the Titan.

[@fwof3347]

@@jamesfrench7299 Yeah same engine, but so if gear box, I assure you, when I worked out of AR .. the MCW were awful, when I used to crew them on rote 73! .. when I did leave Tottenham garage to go to Holloway (HT) … It was then privatised, so I used to do route 10, and 139 as crew bus, but my main route was route 4… which had Titan on them after it was taken over by MTL London… and they were million miles better.

[@fwof3347]

Zoif * straightnauto box, the MCW was a simpler bus, but the Titan was 20 years ahead of the competition at the time .. and were imo a class above.

[@scotsboy4957]

I first saw these buses in London when I used to visit my uncle and always thought it would be great to drive one, ding ding hold tight.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

This is your chance!

[@scotsboy4957]

And I would want on the buses theme tune playing ❤😂

[@flyingsquad63]

Used to Drive out of Muswell Hill garage on the 43 route if you get a chance to drive one of these do it you won't regret it

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍👍

[@robbietee4785]

I would love to do this. I was actually considering asking if I could come and drive one of your buses Pete. Merchandise purchased. 👍

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Great! Best of luck 👍👍

[@tiredtrailer]

Definitely

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍👍

[@robsterbob580]

I've driven one with the Expeditional at that airfield. It was a fantastic experience! So easy to drive with the auto gearbox, the high up driving position, right next to the engine, and that big red bonnet. I just found it so weird that you have no awareness of how high the thing is, with the upper deck above you, until you see the shadow of the bus and you then realise how big a vehicle it is! That was many years ago, but I've gone on to get my PCV license, and I now drive coaches for National Express.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

That’s great!

[@coover65]

I wonder if the UK recognises an Australian HR (Heavy Rigid up to 22.5t) licence? I have no idea what the British equivalent is. A 24-hour flight to drive a Routemaster would be worth every cent/penny.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

You just need a valid license, doesn’t matter where it’s from! Hope you het lucky and I’ll see you here 😂😜👍

[@coover65]

@@PeteAndHisBus As soon as I find a uniform like they wore in "On the Buses" I'll book a ticket. If I can't drive, can I just walk up and down the bus yelling "Tickets please" even if there are no passengers?

[@highpath4776]

​@@PeteAndHisBusdont International driving permits cover like for like equivalence, at least if not carryinv fare paying passengers. This prize is at an airfield so 6 miles of landing strip to play with

[@lesthiele4921]

Now that would be a excellent experience to drive with the Routemaster Master, but sadly I am too far away andvwould not get permission to travel, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia, Les

[@PeteAndHisBus]

☹️

[@highpath4776]

​@@PeteAndHisBusu need to fake the bus on a summer holiday

[@georgehay5929]

The route master was an awesome bus to drive

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍👍

[@jamesallen712]

Why not! Oh. I never win raffles.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍👍

[@CB1000FP1]

I've driven everything from a ford Anglia van to a 44 tonne artic, including bulldozers, loading shovels and loads of other plant, but I've never driven a bus, unfortunately these days my knees would object to driving a old routemaster, I can't even drive my old landrover for long nowadays, old age as a lot to answer for

[@PeteAndHisBus]

😩

[@SleepToTheSounds]

You need a red phonebox next got one for sale if ya want one !

[@PeteAndHisBus]

😂👍

[@geoffwest64]

Great idea Pete. I’m in

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Good luck!

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Whoop whoop

[@jvoric]

Just bought merch! 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Thanks!

[@jvoric]

@@PeteAndHisBusooo did I mention , I’ve never driven a bus before! Obviously I’ve driven cars,vans even a HGV (not for work) and a tank! (Not for work) lol

[@richardkeen6965]

i would love to do that , my dad was a bus driver from 1967 to 1985 working at New Cross , he loved driving the Routemaster .. Sadly he passed away 2 years ago

[@PeteAndHisBus]

That is sad! Well I hope you enter the raffle and if you do win you can drive that bus in his honour 👍👍

[@GenaF]

Yes yes yes

[@PeteAndHisBus]

😂😂👍👍

[@paulbowley7508]

Passed my test in an RML in 1989 best bus I ever drove just beating out the Leyland National

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍👍👍

[@lukeframpton3671]

My dad used to work for hants and Dorset used to play on all the old buses mum used to go mad I'd come home covered in oil😂😂

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Haha classic

[@T010180]

Sh#t, I'd love to drive a routemaster but at the date in october I'm in Greece for work. I've been on them as a passenger many times.this would've been a dream come true

[@PeteAndHisBus]

😫🥲

[@davidpiper3652]

Yes please.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍👍👍

[@DavidWoods-of2ct]

Yes I would like to drive one

[@PeteAndHisBus]

You better get your raffle ticket then!! 😂👍

[@DavidWoods-of2ct]

@@PeteAndHisBus how do I buy one

[@highpath4776]

Drove one once around catford stadium car park

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍

[@nazarail]

I’d love to. Unfortunately I’m on the other side of the world 😢

[@PeteAndHisBus]

😥

[@raychambers3646]

Could you do a comp for running after the bus to grab the back pole to get pulled off your feet ?

[@PeteAndHisBus]

😂😂

[@vanhooler358]

I passed in one, crash gear box, no power steering, that's how you got a full licence back in the day.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Nah ah… routemaster has a pre-select gearbox and power steering!

[@vanhooler358]

@@PeteAndHisBus Thinking back Pete , it might have been a Bristol, Same shape & style though, very heavy to drive, it got lighter as the speed crept up, the clutch could have snapped your leg.

[@tonys1636]

Nice prize for someone but not for me, spent far too many hours behind the wheel of them with LT. Still prefer RT's or RF's, much better to drive, imo.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Fair enough!

[@RealCelticGamer]

Abso flipping lutely!!

[@PeteAndHisBus]

👍👍👍

[@Askhsj]

I drove a routermaster for over 10yrs, like a tank, u can throw it round the bends, very stiff and almost impossible to tip over.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

That’s the one 👍👍

[@Tom.Jackson.]

The book says + t-shirt already have a t shirt just send book 👍😁

[@PeteAndHisBus]

It says: plus sticker, not t shirt 😂😂

[@keithsyers5833]

I've just had a little idea. You travel all over the country. Could you take passengers for a fee? I like just getting on a bus and just going on a journey and enjoy the scenery. How about dining experience upstairs dining table with a view kitchen downstairs. Just a thought

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Nope, If you start transporting people you need an operators license, black box, etc etc…

[@keithsyers5833]

@PeteAndHisBus hi Pete. I didn't know. Its more aggravation than you need. But how about driving instruction and teaching new engineers to fix the buses.,apprenticeships etc.i think you can get a payment from the government for apprenticeships. I love the work you're doing

[@MK-hi3lj]

Great vids! Where I live in Canada, you'd need a special license to drive that bus on a public road alone, without passengers (for mechanics etc). Driving one with passengers requires a higher level license yet. On the other hand, anyone with a regular driving license can drive one that's been repurposed for some other use, usually as a motorhome, unless it has an airbrake system. Airbrakes require special qualification. Transport and bus drivers must re-qualify and have medicals on a regular basis. A standard driving license only requires re-qualification if taken away or lapsed. Is that the same for Britain? I see you driving them empty and with passengers. And what about insurance, especially with passengers on board for those fun days? Here that would practically preclude any such sort of event, even with qualified and experienced drivers. Driving one on private property, without passengers would be no problem, but likely be costly for insurance coverage. Driving one would be neat from an operational standpoint, but probably easier than navigating a high-van semi through a similar route.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

The rules are extremely complicated and vague… that’s all I’ll say 👍😂

[@davematthews8520]

Blast it. I have an unmovable thing on that date. Oh well, thats life 🙂

[@PeteAndHisBus]

😫

[@nickbrown4196]

"unmovable thing" RM843? *gets coat*

[@johnbull-dev]

I'd love to do this. In fact I've wanted to drive a bus since I was 4, and I have a valid (car) driving licence. Unfortunately I'm not allowed to drive buses due to epilepsy, even though I haven't had a seizure for 17 years and they are only ever in my sleep. 😭

[@PeteAndHisBus]

So, you do qualify for this! As long as you have a valid car license you’re allowed to join in. It’ll all be done on private land and supervised by a professional.

[@johnbull-dev]

@@PeteAndHisBus ok thanks for confirming. Worth mentioning as that’s the case with most of things related to it.

[@jamesfrench7299]

The Cummins doesn't have the fascinating note of an AEC or Leyland 0600. Does it have more torque?

[@PeteAndHisBus]

True, but all the bits are available and they’re cheap… torque is roughly the same but it’ll do 15 mpg

[@jamesfrench7299]

@@PeteAndHisBus at least fit split rims, nut rings and AEC emblems on the front wheels.

[@thequietestengine]

Bit of a serious question here Pete, sir. My dad has always wanted to drive one of these buses. And we'd love to take him to an event like this to have some hands on experience. Issue is, he has some arthritis in his legs, not so bad he cant drive but what is the clutch and gearbox like in these Routemasters? I know he'd get into the seat of one any day for the experience but we're a bit worried he might overexert himself in his enthusiasm for his dream. Sorry to be super serious asking such a thing but I just want to make sure the joy of his day isnt downcast by the pain management afterwards. All the very best to you and yours.

[@PeteAndHisBus]

So the good news is, there is no clutch pedal because it’s a pre-select. He does however have to be able to actually climb into the bus though.

[@thequietestengine]

@@PeteAndHisBus That's doable! He used to drive long wheelbase telecommunication lorries and the cab in and out wasnt a bother, it was the clutches. He could do that climb easy if he's not taxing his leg with a clutch like he used to in those things. Champion news Pete, absolutely champion and thank you!

[@Ju1ian10001]

RM's are semi-automtic, but can also be driven as a full automatic, so no clutch to worry about, the gear selector is on the the left side of the steering colum and really light to use, if he has driven a colum shift car then he is half way there. they do have power steering and the brake are gas assisted (assited by nitrogen gas, not air.) they were designed to be easyish to drive as you were in the seat for about 10 hours, nver driven one myself but dad was an RM driver on route 36 out of peckham garage for many years before being made inspector, he loved them, and the RT's.

[@thequietestengine]

@@Ju1ian10001 The irony is my dad could have probably told me all this if I asked, but then he'd get suspicious why I was asking. And thank you so much for your reply!

[@iluvcurryandbeer]

I drove one a couple of weeks ago and I have arthritis in my knee. He shouldn't have a problem.

[@StevieShearman]

YES!!!!

[@PeteAndHisBus]

yes!!!!

[@StevieShearman]

An excuse to get more of your merch!!! Yay!

[@garyhammond6253]

I missed out on the competition but will you be running another? Tnx😁

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Probably yes!

[@Jamiewhitehouse1214]

Where abouts would you be learning how to drive the route master bus Pete

[@PeteAndHisBus]

North Weald!

[@stormchaser300]

QUESTION ? did the tv show On the Buses from the 70s use the same model and make bus as your bus on your video.🚌🚌🚌

[@PeteAndHisBus]

No, they did not. 👍

[@iluvcurryandbeer]

@@PeteAndHisBus except in the Chiswick skid bus episode !!!

[@stormchaser300]

@@PeteAndHisBus What model was it please

[@highpath4776]

​@@stormchaser300eastern national loddekkas ecw body bristol chassis. Most indoor garage filming was on set with two or three wooden mockups made for reg to get into cab etc. There are good yt vides and websites for on the buses

[@highpath4776]

​@@iluvcurryandbeermust chrck that as it was a rt that was the normal skid pan one

[@groeacht8525]

A bit of clarification on 'valid drivers licence' might be needed? Can you drive it on a post 98 car license? Assuming it's all on private property

[@PeteAndHisBus]

This whole thing will be done on private property and you’ll be supervised by a professional. All you need is a valid driving license (of any class) be it a UK one or an international one. 👍👍👍

[@treesurgeon8558]

I've got a valid driving licence since 1977. However, I'm now on a 3 year medical licence. Can I still apply? Mmmm!

[@PeteAndHisBus]

I’d contact Expeditional and ask. 👍👍

[@paulwells9555]

Not sure if it was this bus but had seen your bus on Monday out side queen Elizabeth 2 centre in london

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Yep it sure was! Well spotted

[@Aguyfromthe60s]

Yes I would, where do I sign?

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Terms and conditions are in the description and in the video itself!

[@peterbadkin9927]

Yes, please. One of your conditions: "You must be able to make your way to the location on the 13th of October 2024". Where is the location, Pete?

[@PeteAndHisBus]

North Weald air field

[@peterbadkin9927]

👍

[@DavidWoods-of2ct]

I don't know how to buy a raffle ticket so I don't think il bother

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Did you watch the video!!??

[@appeltje460]

Re bonjour .. je'espère c'est pour un conducteur un bus tres jolie conduière a droit pour 1ère foi .. .. I think its very strainge to drive a bus right hand drive .. dèsolé pour mon anglais / exuses me for my english . Cordialement de lacave 46200 / kind regards from lacave 46200 the south of france ... 😊

[@PeteAndHisBus]

It’s easy don’t worry

[@LogansWeddingTravel]

Caution: may result in life long poor financial decisions 😅

[@PeteAndHisBus]

😂😂

[@Sam-q3k4r]

First

[@PeteAndHisBus]

Sorry, you're second hahah!

[@Sam-q3k4r]

@@PeteAndHisBus do u need a coach driving licence and how old do u have to be?