Bus politics

Published: 20 January, 2011

• I MUST take issue with Ellin Stein (Letters, January 13) who supports the old Routemaster (RM) bus. 

In real terms, it was far more expensive to run – because of its crew – than modern buses.

The RM was very difficult for parents with young children, those with heavy shopping, and elderly people. It was also very dangerous for elderly people and children because passengers could board or alight while the bus was moving. 

While there have been accidents with the low-floor articulated buses, (the “bendy-bus”) its overall design has far greater safety features.

Articulated buses represent good value as their extensive mass production makes them considerably cheaper than buses manufactured just for one city.

Kiosks in London that cater for the tourist market are overloaded with plastic representations of the RM bus mainly imported from China. A vehicle which the Chinese don’t want to use themselves. 

London has a right to feel proud of the way bus transport improved under Ken Livingstone. Sadly, Boris’s New Routemaster will cost Londoners dear. 

One estimate is that, because of the small production and its crew operation, it would cost at least 31 per cent more to run than current London buses. 

A more expensive bus will clearly be at the expense of cuts in routes and frequency. 

KEITH ARMSTONG
Churchway, NW1