New Routemaster

New Routemaster
Name	New Routemaster
Manufacturer	Land Rover, Alexander Dennis, Wrightbus, Bombardier Transportation
Production	2012–2019
Assembly	Scarborough, Belfast, Antrim
Predecessor	Routemaster
Capacity	60–80 passengers
Length	11.23 m
Weight	11.2 t
Engine	Cummins ISBe

New Routemaster The New Routemaster is a hybrid diesel-electric double-decker bus introduced in London service in 2012 as a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Routemaster (bus). Commissioned by the Mayor of London and developed through collaborations between Transport for London, RATP Group, Abellio London, and manufacturers including Wrightbus, the vehicle aimed to combine heritage styling with contemporary emissions standards and passenger amenities. It entered service on central routes such as Route 38 (London bus) and Route 9 (London bus), and became associated with the administration of Boris Johnson and the 2012 Summer Olympics transport legacy.

History and development

Development began after a 2008 proposal by the Mayor of London to replace ageing fleets including the Routemaster (bus) and MCW Metrobus. Design contracts were awarded amid competitive bids from Alexander Dennis, Wrightbus, Volvo Buses, and Scania. Prototypes were unveiled at shows alongside vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz O530 and Enviro400. The project involved procurement negotiations with Transport for London and political debates in the Greater London Authority and drew attention from newspapers such as The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, and The Times. A production run was ordered by operators including Go-Ahead London, Arriva London, Metroline, and Stagecoach London.

Design and features

The New Routemaster combined retro cues referencing the Routemaster (bus) with modern elements from manufacturers like Australian Bus & Coach and technologies seen in Toyota Prius hybrids. The interior incorporated features similar to Alexander Dennis Enviro400 models: three-door layout, dual staircases, and a rear open platform with intermittent operation controlled by drivers—distinct from conductors on the Routemaster (bus). Passenger information systems used displays and announcements modeled after those deployed by Transport for London on the DLR and London Overground. Accessibility adaptations complied with standards influenced by legislation debated in the House of Commons and promoted by campaigners associated with Age UK and Transport for All.

Operations and routes

Introduced on flagship services including Route 38 (London bus), Route 11 (London bus), and Route 24 (London bus), the buses operated primarily in central London and along corridors connecting hubs such as Victoria station (London), Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, and Trafalgar Square. Fleet deployments were managed by operators including Arriva London, Metroline, Go-Ahead London, and Stagecoach London under contracts overseen by Transport for London and subject to tendering processes with firms like RATP Group and Abellio London. Seasonal and event-driven assignments occurred during Wimbledon Championships, Notting Hill Carnival, and New Year’s Eve (United Kingdom) events.

Reception and criticism

Reception was mixed: heritage advocates including the London Transport Museum praised the visual nods to the Routemaster (bus), while critics from Friends of the Earth and journalists at The Guardian questioned cost effectiveness and environmental benefits compared with vehicles from Volvo Buses and Scania. Trade unions such as Unite the Union and RMT (trade union) raised concerns over the removal of conductors, and debates took place in the London Assembly and on panels with representatives from Transport for London and the Mayor of London office. Media coverage by BBC News, ITV, and Channel 4 highlighted breakdowns, fare evasion risks on the rear platform, and operational constraints when compared to the New Bus for London proposal.

Technical specifications

Built on a hybrid architecture incorporating a Cummins ISBe diesel engine and electric driveline technologies similar to systems from Siemens and ZF Friedrichshafen AG, the bus featured regenerative braking and battery packs influenced by work from Johnson Controls and suppliers to Nissan LEAF. Dimensions matched contemporary double-decker standards established by Alexander Dennis Enviro400 and Volvo B9TL chassis: length 11.23 m, height ~4.4 m, gross vehicle weight ~11.2 t, seating capacity 60–80 depending on configuration. Door and staircase arrangements were engineered with input from TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) and safety standards referenced by the Department for Transport (United Kingdom).

Incidents and safety

Incidents involving the fleet were reported by agencies including Metropolitan Police Service and London Fire Brigade; notable events prompted investigations by Transport for London and reporting in The Independent. Issues included collisions in busy junctions such as Oxford Circus and mechanical failures leading to temporary withdrawals for inspections similar to previous fleet actions involving Stagecoach Group and Arriva plc. Safety recommendations referenced guidance from Health and Safety Executive and vehicle component recalls coordinated with suppliers like ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Cummins.

Legacy and cultural impact

Culturally, the New Routemaster reinvigorated public discourse about heritage transport and became an icon in media portrayals of London alongside landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace. It influenced subsequent procurement discussions in city transport authorities such as Transport for London and international comparisons with fleets in Paris, New York City, and Singapore. Exhibits and retrospectives at the London Transport Museum and features in documentaries by BBC Two and Channel 4 secured its place in the narrative of urban transit, while debates in the House of Commons and coverage by outlets like The Guardian ensured ongoing scrutiny of its policy legacy.

Category:Double-decker buses Category:Bus transport in London