Boarding: The New Routmaster Bus by Heatherwick Studios.

The new Routmaster double-decker bus for London is due to commence service today on route 38 between Victoria and Hackney. The design to replace the old and greatly loved Routmaster was born out of controversy when an international competition saw Capco Design and a collaboration between Norman Foster and Aston Martin win joint first prize only to fizzle out. However, after the competition fanfare, a new design emerged by Heatherwick Studios that went into production with Wrightbus. It is the first bus to be specially commissioned for the capital for over 50 years. The new bus keeps some of the characteristic curves, especially on the corners, and retains a rear stair, as well as a new front stair. There is also a platform on the back that can be left open so people can hop on and of when they want. It was always great fun to hop off one bus at traffic lights and run forward to hop on the next bus before it started moving. Using this technique there was always a chance you could miss your bus but catch it up again further down the street.