London Bus

2008

The design of this new bus is a direct development from the Routemaster. Our intention is to keep the best aspects while bringing the design up to date. The design reflect advances in vehicular technology as well as modern transport strategy. The Routemaster bus had character. The design suggested personality. We have striven to create a bus with a similar character/personality. The asymmetric nature of the original Routemaster has been maintained. Every element of the external and internal appearance has been carefully considered to contribute to the whole.

The seating layout has changed to reflect the way that people use the space available. The lower deck has increased standing and circulation space to allow better use of the space when the bus is busy. Increased accessibility is vital to the success of a new bus design. The majority of bus passengers in London are travelling alone. The conventional double seat layout leads to poor use of space - passengers choosing to take an empty double seat rather than sit next to another passenger. By increasing the choice of seating arrangements, the space will be better used and circulation improved. The seats on the lower deck are arranged in banks of inward facing seats (a popular arrangement in other transportation designs).

All images on this page are computer visualisations created by Matthew Heywood Limited.