London Buses route 171 is a Transport for London contracted bus route in London, England. Running between Elephant and Castle and Catford bus garage, it is operated by Go-Ahead London.

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 (Thurlow Arms) extended Sunday to West Norwood garage). 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. Go-Ahead London successfully tendered to retain the route with a new contract commencing on 30 April 2011. The route was withdrawn between Elephant and Castle and Holborn station in 2019. It terminates at Lambeth Road near Elephant and Castle, taking over from route 468, which now terminates at Borough Road.

Current route

Route 171 operates via these primary locations: