It replaced tram route 12 which ran from London Bridge to Battersea and Wandsworth and trolleybus route 612 from Battersea and Mitcham, both of which were withdrawn at the same time.
The replacement involved tram route 12, running from London Bridge to Battersea and Wandsworth, and trolleybus route 612 from Battersea and Mitcham. Both routes ceased operation concurrently.