The last of the double-decker tour buses left Charlottetown Wednesday. (CBC)

A 45-year Charlottetown tradition of double-decker bus tours is over.

Shirley Murphy and her husband Conn bought their first London bus in 1965. She kept the business going for 15 years after he died, but decided this year that operating Abegweit Tours was too much.

The last of the 11 buses left Charlottetown Wednesday, and are now on a return trip to London. They were purchased by Roger Wright, owner of the London Bus Co.

"We're going to preserve them. Some are going to museums," said Wright.

"We operate these buses already in London in wedding work, special events, film work, et cetera."

London Bus Co. owner Roger Wright says the buses will be back at work in London this summer. (CBC)

The buses are all in good working order, partly thanks to mechanic Lionel Moss, who for 32 years has travelled to the Island from Britain every spring.

"The condition of the buses is down to Abegweit Tours, and me coming over with the technical knowledge to service the buses in early spring to make sure they're ready for the season," said Moss.

The departure of the double-deckers is a loss to Charlottetown's tourist industry. Many locals say they will miss them as well.

"It's kind of sad," said Jessica Layden. "They've been here ever since I was on P.E.I. They're really fun and really great."

The buses will be back to work where they started, on the streets of London, this summer.