When first introduced, the route was operated by STL-class double-deckers. In 1951, RTs and RTLs replaced the STLs. In June 1970, the RTs were replaced by AEC Routemasters. During the 1990s, London Buses' South London Transport subsidiary operated the route with Routemasters in a unique red and cream livery which was retained after South London was privatised and acquired by the Cowie Group in January 1995.[1]
On 9 December 2005, route 159 was the last route to be converted from Routemaster to low-floor bus operation, with new Alexander ALX400 bodied Volvo B7TL double deckers taking over. Brixton Garage gained the whole service. The route was converted gradually from the start of service on the last day, with the last scheduled Routemaster journey (operated by RM2217) departing Marble Arch at 12:08, arriving at Brixton Garage at 14:03. The final service operated by RM54, terminated at Streatham at 14:07.[2][3]
On 24 August 2010 TfL announced an intention to extended route 159 north from Marble Arch to Paddington Basin and for it subsequently to become a 24 hour route.[4] On 29 March 2014, route 159 was withdrawn between Marble Arch and Paddington Basin.[5]
Arriva London successfully retained route 159 with new contracts starting on 10 December 2005 and 11 December 2010.[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]
Current route
Route 159 operates via these primary locations:[10]
,_6_March_2004.jpg)
for Streatham bus station 
Media related to London Buses route 159 at Wikimedia Commons
