London tourists got something of a surprise on Friday – Boris Johnson delightedly gurning from the open rear platform of the capital's new double-decker bus.
The mayor's manifesto pledge to erase the practical yet unloved bendy bus and restore the alleged freedom of the Routemaster's open entrance has – in part – finally been delivered. Eight of the prototypes will come into service early next year, with the first running on route 38 from Victoria to Clapton.
"It is, of course, complete coincidence that the first one runs past my house," chortled Johnson, who seeks re-election next May.
Officially it is the New Bus for London but, like London's Barclays bikes, it is eventually likely to be christened the Boris Bus. Moving quickly from platform to driver seat to passenger door, the mayor said it was "a bus designed here in London, styled here in London, built in Britain." The bus had the domed look of the capital, he said: "St Pauls, a taxi, a bowler hat."
More spacious than the old Routemaster and bigger than current double deckers, the bus has clearly won the affection of TfL supremos Peter Hendy and Leon Daniels, who took turns to drive it from City Hall . "A fabulous turning circle," said Daniels.
TfL tests have apparently shown that the prototype, designed by London-based Heatherwick Studio and built by Wrightbus in Northern Ireland, will emit half the carbon and nitrogen pollution and run on half the fuel of the average diesel double decker.
The interior has leather upholstery, clear windows and even details such as a wireless bell to attract the driver. How long it remains so pristine when it operates as a night bus to Hackney remains to be seen.
Faced with the criticism that this is an expensive vanity project at a time of rising fares and austerity, Johnson was indignant. "Do bendy bus lovers want a British bus that is cleaner, greener, or a German-made bus unsuitable for British streets?" he said.
No one else would buy a bus with an open platform, it was suggested, due to EU regulations. Johnson replied: "I believe the approach we have taken will be copied. This is not a hop-on, hop-off you Frogs, two fingers to Europe, just a simple commensensical approach to London's needs."
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