Running between Romford Market and Canning Town bus station, it is operated by Go-Ahead London.

The route, which ran from Shepherd's Bush Green to Ladbroke Grove, was withdrawn due to low ridership.

[3] On 17 April 1971 it was converted to one man operation with Daimler Fleetlines introduced.

On 25 March 2006 it was extended east to Romford Market replacing route 87.

[5] On 14 May 2011, the last AEC Routemaster, RML2760 built, operated a special service for charity on route 5 between Romford and Barking.