In pictures: Routemaster retrospective

Routemaster conductors will be offered redundancy packages or retraining as drivers when the buses are taken out of service.

"Most conductors are quite sad about leaving the job," says Ralf. "For some, they have been there 10, 20 years ... it is their life.

"Others are glad it's coming to an end, as the job has got much harder. People are more abusive and there is less respect."