As far as I know there are only a few 'prototypes'.
I don't think they'll ever go into production - it's a PR stunt (at Council Tax payers expense) in the lead up to next May's Mayor election so that Boris can say he kept his promise.
Had to get a 25 bus from Whitechapel to Mile End this morning because the District Line was screwed. For years the 25 has been a bendy bus but a double-decker turned up this morning. Half as much capacity, twice the crush on the bus. What fun.
apparently the rear doors will only be open when there is an conductor on board, as they have no plans to hire any expect the rear doors to be shut 99.9% of the time.. and thus what is the point.
Hop on hop off buses were always the most appropriate type for central London - that's why they kept refurbishing the old Routemasters. This may be the best thing Boris has done but at what financial cost to the poor ratepayers of ole London Town?
I wonder though, in these times of taking no responsibility for one's own safety and the "blame culture" whether it is such a good idea. I can remember getting pretty close to being thrown off the back of an old RM on more than one occasion as it went round a corner - if it had happened I would have regarded it as my own stupid fault - problem is there's too many people around who'd be calling up their solicitor these days
I like them. It was part of his campaign and he's delivering them. These and the Boris Bikes are visible demonstrations of what he's achieved while in office and will be a bonus for him come the election.
I think that they look really cool... the sort of bus that Judge Dredd would drive, if he decided to jack in the judging and become a bus driver.
It's obviously an economy of scale. The initial development cost has been substantial, but if they're popular and serve our city better than the 'off-the-shelf' buses we have now, then that outlay will have been worth it. Time will tell.
tfl assistant chairman said 8million to develop and will have a cost of 300k per bus thats not to shabby actually, as an ex bus driver myself i wouldnt mind taking one of those for a spin.
Had to get a 25 bus from Whitechapel to Mile End this morning because the District Line was screwed. For years the 25 has been a bendy bus but a double-decker turned up this morning. Half as much capacity, twice the crush on the bus. What fun.
On the plus side, they take up half as much road and don't fuck up every single junction they ever cross. Nor do they piss of pedestrians who have to walk around the damn things when they block the crossings (usually in spite of the fact that the bus had zero chance ot getting anywhere once through the crossing but decided to go anyway).
apparently the rear doors will only be open when there is an conductor on board, as they have no plans to hire any expect the rear doors to be shut 99.9% of the time.. and thus what is the point.
Really????? I often get on busses using the back/middle doors - I have never seen a conductor on a bus other than the driver in London??? Why would this change?
apparently the rear doors will only be open when there is an conductor on board, as they have no plans to hire any expect the rear doors to be shut 99.9% of the time.. and thus what is the point.
Really????? I often get on busses using the back/middle doors - I have never seen a conductor on a bus other than the driver in London??? Why would this change?
Think he means that the rear platform won't be open all the time so you won't be able to jump off ala Boris in pic above.
I like them. It was part of his campaign and he's delivering them. These and the Boris Bikes are visible demonstrations of what he's achieved while in office and will be a bonus for him come the election.
So vote for an old Etonian twit because be brought buses and bikes to London. Must be sheer political genius to do that to a large city.
I think that they look really cool... the sort of bus that Judge Dredd would drive, if he decided to jack in the judging and become a bus driver.
It's obviously an economy of scale. The initial development cost has been substantial, but if they're popular and serve our city better than the 'off-the-shelf' buses we have now, then that outlay will have been worth it. Time will tell.
But which is likely to be the bigger 'economy of scale' - buying what you call 'off-the-shelf' from a large manufacturer who sells all over the world (and within which you can probably specify seat layout etc) or for a single city like London to commission a 'designer' bus the supposed main feature of which ('hop on & off') can only be used with a conductor on board (ie hardly ever & at even more cost - unless you think that TfL are goimg to double the number of bus staff and put conductors back on buses?).
As I said I think this is a Boris election stunt (at our expense) - and will probably end with a handful of them cruising round the West End for tourists and PR purposes.
I like them. It was part of his campaign and he's delivering them. These and the Boris Bikes are visible demonstrations of what he's achieved while in office and will be a bonus for him come the election.
So vote for an old Etonian twit because be brought buses and bikes to London. Must be sheer political genius to do that to a large city.
But then why would we vote for some comprehensive school meathead? Those kind only serve to help the rest of them that leech of the state.
I like them. It was part of his campaign and he's delivering them. These and the Boris Bikes are visible demonstrations of what he's achieved while in office and will be a bonus for him come the election.
So vote for an old Etonian twit because be brought buses and bikes to London. Must be sheer political genius to do that to a large city.
He's the Mayor of London, it's exactly the kind of things he should be doing. Not making deals with dictators and dishing out money to his cronies.
"Off the shelf/peg" vehicles have an average life of about 8 years use in London.
The last vehicle designed for London (Leyland Titan) lasted 20-25 years. The last RM was built in 1968 (so the youngest is 43!) and was mechanically simple - that's the key to longevity.
If the purpose-designed BorisMaster lasts 12-15 years, then it'll be worth it.
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
“It is, frankly, farcical. We did not ask for the new Routemaster and I am not sure we would want them.”
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
“It is, frankly, farcical. We did not ask for the new Routemaster and I am not sure we would want them.”
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
“It is, frankly, farcical. We did not ask for the new Routemaster and I am not sure we would want them.”
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
“It is, frankly, farcical. We did not ask for the new Routemaster and I am not sure we would want them.”
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
“It is, frankly, farcical. We did not ask for the new Routemaster and I am not sure we would want them.”
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
“It is, frankly, farcical. We did not ask for the new Routemaster and I am not sure we would want them.”
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
“It is, frankly, farcical. We did not ask for the new Routemaster and I am not sure we would want them.”
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
“It is, frankly, farcical. We did not ask for the new Routemaster and I am not sure we would want them.”
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
Comments
I think they look good and obviously referencing the old route masters which is all well and good.
No idea on the cost but a modern city needs uptodate transport systems.
I don't think they'll ever go into production - it's a PR stunt (at Council Tax payers expense) in the lead up to next May's Mayor election so that Boris can say he kept his promise.
Hop on hop off buses were always the most appropriate type for central London - that's why they kept refurbishing the old Routemasters. This may be the best thing Boris has done but at what financial cost to the poor ratepayers of ole London Town?
I wonder though, in these times of taking no responsibility for one's own safety and the "blame culture" whether it is such a good idea. I can remember getting pretty close to being thrown off the back of an old RM on more than one occasion as it went round a corner - if it had happened I would have regarded it as my own stupid fault - problem is there's too many people around who'd be calling up their solicitor these days
Especially the 7.50 from New Eltham this morning which broke down at Hither Green.
Glad I never bought a ticket :-)
Really????? I often get on busses using the back/middle doors - I have never seen a conductor on a bus other than the driver in London??? Why would this change?
So vote for an old Etonian twit because be brought buses and bikes to London. Must be sheer political genius to do that to a large city.
As I said I think this is a Boris election stunt (at our expense) - and will probably end with a handful of them cruising round the West End for tourists and PR purposes.
The last vehicle designed for London (Leyland Titan) lasted 20-25 years. The last RM was built in 1968 (so the youngest is 43!) and was mechanically simple - that's the key to longevity.
If the purpose-designed BorisMaster lasts 12-15 years, then it'll be worth it.
New Routemasters To Cost £1.6m ‘Each’
Image by kenchie from the Londonist Flickr pool
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
New Routemasters To Cost £1.6m ‘Each’
Image by kenchie from the Londonist Flickr pool
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
New Routemasters To Cost £1.6m ‘Each’
Image by kenchie from the Londonist Flickr pool
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
New Routemasters To Cost £1.6m ‘Each’
Image by kenchie from the Londonist Flickr pool
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
New Routemasters To Cost £1.6m ‘Each’
Image by kenchie from the Londonist Flickr pool
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
New Routemasters To Cost £1.6m ‘Each’
Image by kenchie from the Londonist Flickr pool
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
New Routemasters To Cost £1.6m ‘Each’
Image by kenchie from the Londonist Flickr pool
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.
New Routemasters To Cost £1.6m ‘Each’
Image by kenchie from the Londonist Flickr pool
We know the specification, roughly what it’ll look like and who’s building it, and now the Times have come up with how much Boris’s new Routemaster buses will cost. And it works out at a massive £1.6m each – eight times more than a conventional double decker.
The Wrightbus contract is to design, build and test a prototype plus five buses for use on the roads before 2012, at a cost of £7.8m. The cost of any additional buses won’t be more than £300k, but that’s still £100k more than a standard double decker and £50k more than the hated bendy. Now, that might not be enough to plug the holes in TfL’s colander-like budget but it’s not helpful PR, especially when you get anonymous bus company execs telling the Times
At that price, however, we kind of have to like them – we can’t afford not to.