Red Arrow (London Buses)

The last Red Arrow services to operate were routes 507 and 521, with the brand being retired altogether in September 2009, only being briefly revived in May 2016 to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

[3][4] The concept was introduced with on 18 April 1966 with six AEC Merlin buses on a new express service, route 500, running between Victoria and Marble Arch, extended during shopping hours to Oxford Circus.

With a subtle repaint, the Greenways continued operating the Red Arrow branded network, although by 1998 it had been contracted to just four routes, 501, 505, 507 and 521.

[7] Additionally, route 521 ran through the Strand underpass making double decker operation impossible.

The artics still carried the Red Arrow name, although it was much smaller and less pronounced than all the previous versions.

AEC Merlin on route 500 in Oxford Street in 1976
Preserved Leyland National with Red Arrow branding
Preserved London General Leyland National Greenway
London General Mercedes-Benz Citaro O530G Articulated Red Arrow bus on route 521 at Aldwych in June 2004
Go-Ahead London Mercedes-Benz Citaro rigid on route 507 at Waterloo station in July 2009