New Routemaster

New Routemaster. The New Routemaster is a hybrid-electric double-decker bus designed for Transport for London and manufactured by Wrightbus in Ballymena. Conceived as a modern successor to the iconic AEC Routemaster, its development was championed by then-Mayor of London Boris Johnson and involved a design partnership with Heatherwick Studio. Entering service in 2012, the bus features distinctive retro-styling cues, an innovative three-door two-staircase layout, and an open platform at the rear, though this feature was later permanently closed on all vehicles.

Design and development

The project was initiated following a 2007 campaign promise by Boris Johnson during his successful run for the Mayor of London. Johnson directed Transport for London to develop a new bus that would evoke the spirit of the classic AEC Routemaster while incorporating modern technology. A design competition was won by a consortium led by Heatherwick Studio, known for projects like the 2012 Summer Olympics cauldron, in partnership with the Northern Irish manufacturer Wrightbus. The development process involved significant input from Transport for London's engineering team and faced the complex challenge of integrating a hybrid drivetrain with the novel three-door, two-staircase architecture. The first prototype, unveiled in 2010, underwent extensive testing on the streets of London before full-scale production commenced.

Features and specifications

The bus is instantly recognizable by its asymmetric glazing, sweeping roofline, and prominent, rounded nose, drawing clear aesthetic inspiration from the original Routemaster. Its most notable operational features are the three passenger doors and two staircases, intended to speed boarding and alighting, alongside a rear open platform that initially allowed for a conductor-assisted hop-on, hop-off service. The vehicle is powered by a Cummins ISBe 4-cylinder diesel engine coupled with an electric motor, constituting a series hybrid system, with power transmitted through a Voith DIWA automatic transmission. Other specifications include a ZF front axle, fully glazed stairwells, and interior lighting designed to create a bright, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of the original Routemaster.

Service history

The first production vehicles entered public service in February 2012 on route 38, running between Victoria and Hackney Central. The rollout expanded to other central London routes, including the 24 to Hampstead Heath and the 11 serving Liverpool Street station. The initial operational model included a second crew member to manage the open platform, but this practice was phased out from 2014 onwards for cost reasons, leading to the platform being closed during motion and eventually sealed shut permanently. The buses have operated through major events in the capital, including the 2012 Summer Paralympics and the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II.

Reception and legacy

The bus received a polarized response; it was praised for its innovative design and won awards such as the 2010 London Design Medal and the Ulster Architectural Heritage award. However, it faced significant criticism over its high procurement cost, reported overheating issues in hot weather due to its extensive glazing, and the operational complexities of its multi-door layout. The subsequent sealing of the rear platform was seen by many as the end of its most distinctive functional homage to the original AEC Routemaster. Its legacy is that of a ambitious, politically-driven project that successfully created a new icon for London's streetscape but also highlighted the practical challenges of blending nostalgic design with modern mass transit requirements.

Fleet and operators

A total of 1,000 vehicles were built by Wrightbus between 2011 and 2017. The entire fleet is owned by Transport for London and operated under contract by several of London's major bus companies. Primary operators have included Arriva London, Go-Ahead London, Metroline, and Stagecoach London, who deploy the buses on specific route allocations across the city. The concentration of the fleet remains on high-frequency central London services, and as of the mid-2020s, they continue to form a prominent part of the capital's transport network, though future replacement cycles are being planned.

Category:Buses of London Category:Wrightbus vehicles Category:2010s buses