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Reading Mainline finale


The operation of Routemasters in Reading finished on 22nd July 2000, drawing to an end this six year chapter in the operation of bus services in Reading. A large number of people were there to say farewell, not only enthusiasts from all over the country but many local residents whose interest had been aroused by local media coverage during the final week. In fact it was quite notable how many residents were taking photographs from the streets, their houses, and even their cars!

All available vehicles were turned out for the the day, with the spares running as service extras to improve the travel and photo opportunities.

No. 19 on route D No. 19 trundles through the town centre on line D to Purley. Following service changes earlier in the year only two basic routes remained, lines D and F, along with the line E Monday-Friday variation of line D which didn't run on the final day.
No. 14 at the Three Tuns No. 14 stands opposite the Three Tuns on the Earley Road having just completed a short working extra on line F, and about to join No. 36 on its last round trip to Caversham.
Final week lettering Local residents were made aware of the impending demise of their Routemasters with notices in the press and on the buses themselves during the final week, such as this one alongside the driver's cab of No. 14.
Convoy at Reading station Former Blackpool No. 36 prepares to leave Reading station on the last departure to Woodley, in convoy with nos. 14 and 18 running as extras.
No. 18 at Woodley Clivedene Road No. 18 at Woodley Clivedene Road preparing to lead the convoy on the last journey back to Reading. Geography and the sun conspired to make it near impossible to photograph the three together at Woodley.
Convoy back at Reading for the last time The convoy of Routemasters arriving back at Reading station for the last time. The rear destination on all three vehicles read "The End"."
No. 36 takes a bow No. 36 leaves Reading on its way to be the last Routemaster back into the depot, with Mainline's founder Mike Russell at the wheel.

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