London’s iconic red double decker buses were finally withdrawn from service by Ken Livingstone in 2005. But a new design has just been unveiled for London’s buses of the future, taking much of its inspiration from the classic 1950s model.
New London Bus Design / Photograph: TFL
The futuristic hybrid design, incorporating lightweight materials and green technology to lower fuel emissions by up to 40%, also includes an open platform at the rear to allow passengers to “hop on” and “hop off” – just like the original RouteMasters.
A key part of Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s electoral manifesto in 2008, the buses are not without criticism. At a time when ordinary Londoners are increasingly tightening their belts, the £7.8m scheme has been dismissed as “extravagant”.
Nathaniel A-B
12 months agoWow! Wow! Wow! this is a brilliant design and i cant wait until I hop on one of these. Looking Good!!
Alan S
2 years agoI hope it will have proper suspension, unlike the current versions! Recently rode on an RT and RF and an RM on one of the wonderful route-recreation days and was struck by how comfortable they are compared with the modern breed. Also hope that the drivers will be trained not to treat the brake and accelerator pedals as an 'on-off switch' as so many seem to.
kirek
2 years agoI like the way it looks!!
Could have a “ride” for sure:)
Rob
2 years agoIndeed, or a massive rise in the number of fare dodgers. Boris’ wanton disregard for health and safety is to be admired I feel. Would have been so much easier for Keanu to get everyone to hop off the bus with one of these babies.
Ben
2 years agoThere seems to be a lot of excitement about the dual staircases. It’s quite a good idea, considering there are three doors. It will be interesting to see whether the “hop on, hop off” idea causes any accidents.
Rob
2 years agoI like it – especially the window design. The combination of smooth corners, black/red, and positioning of the round headlights and number plate mouth does make me think of a Henry vacuum cleaner a bit though.