Iconic London Double Decker bus getting a major refresh

by Scott Carmichael on

The London Double Decker bus is one of the most recognizable means of transport in the world – but as passenger numbers and emissions standards grew, the iconic Routemaster buses were withdrawn from service in 2005. Updated Double Deckers remain in service, but after years of work, the City of London just revealed the newest design for the bus of the future.

Fans of the old buses will be happy to learn that the new design borrowed a lot of inspiration from the old 1950’s Routemasters, while staying well within requirements for a green and comfortable bus. Best of all – the new bus will even feature an open platform at the rear, one of the best parts of the old buses.

You’ll need to wait till 2012 to take a ride on the new bus. The new buses will carry 87 passengers and cost $433,000 each. The design comes from Heatherwick Studio who worked with Transport for London on the final design.

Of course, London wouldn’t be London without some controversy over the buses – The Mayor of London is already being accused of wasting taxpayers money on his “pet project”.

Praying bus driver kicks passengers off bus

by Iva Skoch on

This must have been an entertaining scene.

A London bus driver told his passengers to get off his bus because he has to pray. He rolled out his prayer mat in the aisle and knelt on the floor facing Mecca, The Sun reports. Passengers watched in amazement as he held out his palms towards the sky, bowed his head and began to chant. Some passengers took out their phones and starting taking pictures and video.

After a few minutes the driver calmly got up, opened the doors and asked everyone back on board. But passengers saw a backpack lying on the floor of the red single-decker and feared he might be a fanatic. So they all refused.
The driver apparently looked “English” but it turned out he was a Muslim convert. Is there such a thing as “looking English” anymore?