The bus route 371 was created in 1990 when the bus route 71 was split into two shorter routes. It was originally operated by Westlink from their Kingston garage. It transferred to London United in 1995 when they bought Westlink. When the new Tolworth garage opened in 2002, the bus route 371 was transferred to there. In 2009 it was then transferred to the Fulwell garage. London United managed to retain bus route 371 in both 2009: and 2016. This was, not because they were the lowest bidder, but because they had provided a good service prior to the re-tendering or because it was part of a joint bid. The next re-tendering process for route 371 will take place with the newly tendered service commencing on the 3rd of July 2021.
Route changes
In November 2001, the bus route 371 was re-routed via Kings Road, Marchmont Road and Queens Road instead of its previous route via Friar Stiles Road and Richmond Hill. 10 new bus stops were introduced. In April 2011, the bus route 371 was extended from Richmond, Dee Road to the nearby Sainsbury's store on Manor Road. During the summer of 2016, the bus route 371 was temporarily suspended. This was due to mains works taking place in Petersham. It was replaced by free shuttle bus services. These were given numbers 565, 571 and 572.
Incidents
On the morning of the 2nd of December 2016, a Dennis Trident 2 operating on route 371 caught fire on Kingston High Street near the Guildhall/Rose Theatre bus stop. The emergency services arrived promptly and there were no casualties. For the whole day, Kingston High Street was blocked off due to the fire. Many bus routes, including the 371 route, had to take a diverted route or curtail early.
None of the above schools have their own public school bus, so London Buses have put measures in place during school peak hours on route 371 to enable the full demand to be catered for. Often, double-deck Scania OmniCities are used to increase capacity. Many buses also only travel from Richmond, Manor Circus to Grey Court School to increase the frequency. There is also two separate timetables in use during weekdays. One is used during school term time, and the other is used during school holidays.
Previous slogans
Before TfL introduced a compulsory all-red livery for all of their fleet, Westlink had comedic or catchy slogans on the sides of their buses on route 371. Three of the most used slogans are shown here: Enjoy a visit to Ham House? National Trust us to get you there. The best way to Terrace Gardens? You know our point of view. Eden Street to Paradise Road
