Routemaster returns

London’s iconic double deck red bus Routemaster is making a comeback.  The first of a new fleet of 21st century models was introduced last week on route 38 between Victoria Station and Hackney in East London.  It replaces the unpopular Bendy Bus.

The current Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, first announced his intention to create a new bus in the run up to the 2008 Mayoral election which he won.  Another election is due 3 May this year.

A competition was launched in July 2008 that sought to harvest design ideas for a new bus for London that drew inspiration from the iconic Routemaster but was fit for the 21st century.  This would be the first time a bus had been designed specifically for the streets of London in more than 50 years.  The competition was a huge success with more than 700 entries received from professionals and non-professionals of all ages from five continents.

The new bus has a host of exciting and innovative features including three entrances and two staircases to enable fast boarding and alighting of passengers; the reintroduction of an open rear platform; LED lighting; new seating moquette and wireless bell pushes. www.tfl.gov.uk/buses

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