London Buses route 171


London Buses route 171 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, England. Running between Bellingham and Elephant & Castle, it is operated by London Central.

History

1952-1972

Route 171 Commenced operating on 6 April 1952 at Stage 7 of London Transport's post-war "Tram to Buses" conversion scheme to replace Kingsway Subway Tram route 33. It ran as a daily service between Tottenham and West Norwood via Harringay, Manor House, Newington Green, Angel, Rosebery Avenue, Kingsway, Aldwych, Victoria Embankment, Westminster Bridge, Kennington, Brixton, West Norwood. The section between Harringay and Tottenham was new territory, not previously served by London buses.

1973-present

On 18 February 1996, IRA member Edward O'Brien was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated prematurely on the route 171 bus he brought it onto as it was travelling along Aldwych towards King's Cross. It also injured eight other passengers.
Upon being re-tendered, it was retained by London Central with a new contract commencing on 29 April 2006. London Central again successfully tendered to retain the route with a new contract commencing on 30 April 2011.

Current route

Route 171 operates via these primary locations: