long-standing

Forty-five years ago, Crewe was witnessing the first year of the revised timetable associated with the 'Electric Scots' services, following inauguration of through London-Glasgow electric running in May 1974. Except for Euston-North Wales traffic, the long-standing practice of motive power changing at Crewe had ended.

Long-standing custom calls for referring to the town chairman as mayor, even though we don't have a mayor.