The new hybrid bus takes to the streets of London
With a futuristic appearance and a 'green' heart , these new double-decker buses are a nod to the classic vehicles taking back the back entrance that allowed travelers in the 1950s to comfortably get on and off the vehicle, known as the hop-on hop-off service.
Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the bus features three door systems, each with an Oyester card reader. The accessibility This has been another of the requirements that mark this new bus: the lower floor has a walkway with free passage from one side to the other, facilitating access for people with mobility problems and passengers with pushchairs; To go up to the upper floor, we can do it through one of the two stairs that this new vehicle has.
Interior of the lower floor of the bus.
On the top floor, we find a huge pane of glass that wraps around the bus. This large transparent panel allows you to make the most of sunlight, improve ventilation and enjoy spectacular views of 'the City'. A large front window, also made of glass, provides the driver with better visibility around him.
Another novelty of the new Routemaster is its green technology : It works with a hybrid engine that helps to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. If we compare it with current two-story diesel vehicles, the new bus is 40% more efficient . In addition, its almost electric motor makes this new transport much quieter.
While the first prototypes are already circulating on line 38 in the city, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, plans to put into circulation at least 800 hybrid buses before the celebration of the Olympic Games.
The new bus brings back the rear entrance of the classic Routermaster.