The End Of London's Red Double-decker Bus

London's transit authority is replacing the remaining 230 signature 'Routemasters' with safer, more efficient German-built busses.

1 minute read

September 20, 2004, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"The RMs — as aficionados know them — have driven their way into the hearts of Londoners for many reasons. They have been a fixture on the streets since the 1950s; so most people have grown up with them. Their curvy, aerodynamic design is as comforting as an old Electrolux refrigerator, with rivets that recall World War II airplanes. In another throwback, the buses have a uniformed conductor in the back who sells tickets, makes change, gives directions and inspects bus passes. He or she — often an immigrant these days — will also probably be able to say whether there are any vacant seats in the upper deck before the passenger makes the steep and narrow spiraling ascent."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Monday, September 20, 2004 in The Los Angeles Times

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