Boris Johnson, London's quirky mayor, has revealed today his plans to change the face of London buses. The futuristic bus will reinstate the route master classic, promising Londoners a greener, light and airy' service, to start running in 2012, hand in hand with the Olympics.
The bus will offer two staircases, two doors and an open platform for commuters to hop on and hop off in rush hour traffic. During this time, when the back of the bus is open, it will be manned by a new ticket collector, able to swipe oyster card and other forms of tickets. The new bus will replace the bendy bus, which is being phased out, and is said to be fifteen percent more fuel efficient than the existing hybrid buses used, while being a whopping forty percent more efficient that the diesel models.
Mr Johnson said today: 'This iconic new part of our transport system is not only beautiful, but also has a green heart beating beneath its stylish, swooshing exterior.
'It will cut emissions, and give Londoners a bus they can be proud of, complete with cutting edge design, and the freedom of an open platform.
'I expect to eventually have hundreds of these on London's roads, and for cities around the globe to be beside themselves with envy for our stunning red emblem of 21st century London.'
Critics have criticised the buses, as although they are suitable for disabled people (the earlier route masters were not) they have a capacity for only half of the commuters that the bendy busses accommodate. There is already a problem with overcrowding on public transport, as a Londoner is more likely to take the tube or bus than their own car around the city. If you take your car on your commute, make sure you have Cheap Car Insurance policies are readily available online.
