Routemaster II: The Revenge

This week has seen the official announcement that ‘Routemaster II’ buses will return to the streets of London in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Due to be introduced into service in 2011, the new bus will have an open platform at one of its three entrances, with the platform able to be closed off at certain times, such as at night. There will be two staircases and the bus will incorporate the latest hybrid technology to make it 40% more fuel efficient. It will be able to carry 87 passengers.

Bozza said, “Londoners have waited with stoic patience as work has continued behind the scenes to select the manufacturer to make the 21st century Routemaster a reality. The decision has now been made and we can look forward to a new icon of London that not only returns to the capital the joy of the open platform, but also utilises the latest state-of-the art green technology, slashing pollution and fuel consumption.”

The original Routemaster buses were introduced to London in 1956 and withdrawn in 1005, replaced by ‘bendy buses’ which BoJo has called the ‘writhing whales of the road’.

Bozza continued, “The countdown is now well and truly on as Wrightbus work 19 to the dozen to deliver Londoners their new bus in 2011, ahead of the world descending on the city for the 2012 Games.”