Hold On Tight, Please

The rear-entrance Routemaster bus reaches its 50th birthday in 2004.

With its planned withdrawal in London, comedian and writer Linda Smith hops on board to celebrate its colourful life and times in the capital.

Recalling her own fond memories of this very British icon, she talks to conductors, drivers, and enthusiasts, and discovers how the bus has inspired people, starred on screen, travelled the world, symbolised peace, and found many surprising new uses.

Producers: Emma Wallace and Liz Jaynes

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2004.