Editing AEC Routemaster (section)

===Privatisation of London Buses===
[[File:Two Routemasters in London.jpg|thumb|right|RML2724 and RML2680 wearing [[First London]] and [[London General]] post-privatisation paint schemes]]

In April 1989, in preparation for the [[privatisation of London bus services]], London Buses was divided into 11 arm's-length business units based on different garages. Eight units inherited Routemasters: [[First London|CentreWest]], [[East London (bus company)|East London]], [[Arriva London|Leaside]], [[London Central]], [[London General]], [[Metroline|London Northern]], [[London United Busways|London United]] and [[Arriva London|South London]].<ref name=CountryBusRML4/> During this time, following the failure and premature withdrawal of heralded replacement vehicle classes such as the [[Daimler Fleetline]]s, the Routemasters that had not yet been disposed of saw their lives extended for use until privatisation. Where new route tenders called for Routemaster operation, these were leased from London Buses.<ref name=CountryBusRML4>[http://www.countrybus.org/RML/RML4.html The Long Buses Part 4] Country Bus</ref>

Between September and November 1994, all of the business units were sold. In the new London route tendering process, all but one of the Routemaster-operated routes ([[London Buses route 139|139]]) retained their now privately owned Routemasters<ref name=RMAssocHistory/> for the five-year contract period and further refurbishments resulted.