Running between Streatham station and Oxford Circus, it is operated by Transport UK London Bus.

The route was converted gradually from the start of service on the last day, with the last Routemaster to depart from Marble Arch arriving at Brixton Garage at around 14:40.

[4] On 29 March 2014, route 159 was withdrawn between Marble Arch and Paddington Basin.

[6][7] In June 2015 Abellio London won the contract, which commenced with the introduction of the New Routemaster buses on 12 December 2015.

[8][9] The route was shortened by four stops on 28 August 2021 due to the pedestrianisation of Oxford Circus.