London Bus Length: How Long In Feet?

London's iconic red double-decker buses are a common sight in the city and have become a symbol of the capital. The buses are used for commuter transport, sightseeing, and long-distance travel. The earliest double-decker buses in London were horse-drawn and were introduced in the 19th century. Today, the standard London bus is the AEC Routemaster, which has been in use since 1956. These buses are between 9.5 and 11.1 metres long, with some models reaching 12 metres in length. The maximum permissible length for a double-decker bus in the UK is 15 metres.

The London Routemaster is 11.3 metres long

The London Routemaster is an iconic bus that has become synonymous with the city. The Routemaster is 11.3 metres long, which is within the typical length range of double-decker buses in the UK, which is between 9.5 and 11.1 metres.

The Routemaster was designed specifically for London and has been a staple of the city's transport system since its introduction in 1956. The bus is characterised by its double-decker design, with an open platform at the rear and a distinctive "half cab" front end.

The Routemaster played a significant role in shaping London's urban development, providing reliable and affordable mobility for all. It became a symbol of the city, with its bright red colour and unique design.

However, the Routemaster was eventually withdrawn from regular service due to its inability to comply with disability legislation. The last Routemasters were retired from general service routes in 2005, with a small fleet retained for heritage routes.

In 2008, a new version of the Routemaster, known as the "New Routemaster" or "Borismaster," was introduced. This modern version retained the iconic design elements of the original while incorporating updated features such as a hybrid diesel-electric engine and improved accessibility.

The New Routemaster is also 11.3 metres long and features three doors and two staircases to allow for easier boarding. While the New Routemaster was intended to replace the older model completely, only 1,000 were procured before the project was discontinued in 2016.

Today, the New Routemaster can still be spotted on certain routes across London, operating alongside other modern low-floor buses that make up London's extensive bus network.

The Routemaster has three doors and two staircases

The Routemaster is a bus model that has been used in London, England, since the mid-20th century. The original Routemaster, also known as the AEC Routemaster, was designed by London Transport and built by the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) and Park Royal Vehicles. The first prototype was completed in September 1954, and the bus entered service in February 1956. The last Routemaster was delivered in 1968, and the model was withdrawn from regular service in December 2005. However, the Routemaster was so robust that it outlasted newer buses intended to replace it, and it continued to be used on two heritage routes until 2019.

The Routemaster is a front-engined double-decker bus with a conventional layout for its time, including a half-cab, front-mounted engine, and open rear platform. It was designed to be lighter and easier to operate than previous bus models, and it introduced several innovations, such as independent front suspension, power steering, and a fully automatic gearbox.

In 2008, a competition was held to design a new Routemaster, inspired by the traditional design but with modern features. The winning design, known as the New Routemaster or "Boris Bus," was unveiled in May 2010. This new model featured three doors and two staircases to allow for accessible boarding. It also had a full front end and a rear platform with a door that could be closed, allowing the bus to be operated by the driver alone. The first New Routemaster entered service in February 2012, and the last of the 1,000 buses was delivered in December 2017.

The New Routemaster has been praised for its hybrid drivetrain and interior design. However, it has also faced criticism for the ineffectiveness of its air conditioning and the small size of its upper-deck windows. In 2020, Transport for London announced that the middle and rear doors of the New Routemaster would become exit-only to reduce fare evasion.

The Routemaster is a hybrid diesel-electric bus

The New Routemaster is a hybrid vehicle, running on batteries and diesel. However, it has been reported that some of the buses are almost solely reliant on diesel engines, which has raised concerns about their environmental impact. The diesel-electric hybrid is driven by a battery-powered electric motor, which is charged by a diesel-fuelled generator. The bus also recovers energy during braking through regenerative braking.

The New Routemaster is approximately 11.3 metres (36 ft 5 in) long, which is a standard length for double-decker buses in the UK. The bus has a capacity of at least 87 passengers, with two staircases and three doors. The rear platform can be left open or closed with a door when there is no conductor on board.

The New Routemaster has been criticised for the ineffectiveness of its air conditioning on hot days, and the small size of the upper-deck windows, which let in less light and offer reduced views compared to other bus models.

The New Routemaster was delivered in batches, with the last of the 1,000 buses entering service in December 2017. In 2020, Transport for London announced that the buses would be converted so passengers could only enter through the front door, with the middle and rear doors becoming exit-only. This change aimed to reduce fare evasion, which had been twice as high on these buses compared to others in London.

The Routemaster has a retractable ramp and room for one wheelchair

The Routemaster is an iconic London bus, with a long history dating back to the AEC Routemaster, which was used as the standard London bus type for almost half a century. The original Routemaster featured a rear open platform and was crewed by a driver and conductor. Over time, the Routemaster has undergone several design changes to improve accessibility and safety.

The New Routemaster, also known as the "New Bus for London," was introduced in 2012 as a modern, accessible version of the classic Routemaster. It features a "hop-on hop-off" rear open platform similar to the original design but with three doors and two staircases to facilitate easier boarding. The New Routemaster is a hybrid diesel-electric vehicle, combining a battery-powered electric motor with a diesel-fuelled generator.

One of the key features of the New Routemaster is its focus on accessibility. All London buses, including the New Routemaster, are low-floor vehicles, making them accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users. The New Routemaster is designed with a retractable ramp and room for one wheelchair. The ramp is located at the front of the bus and can be easily deployed by the driver. The wheelchair space is located near the front of the bus, providing easy access for passengers with mobility aids.

The wheelchair space on the New Routemaster measures 70 cm (28 inches) in width and 120 cm (47 inches) in length. This space is specifically designated for wheelchair users and takes priority over other passengers. Additionally, there is no limit on the number of assistance dogs allowed on board, as long as there is space available.

The New Routemaster's design also includes several features to enhance the overall accessibility of the bus. It is equipped with a climate-controlled ventilation system, ensuring a comfortable environment for all passengers. A text-to-speech system and visual displays provide route information, stop announcements, and other relevant updates. These features benefit all passengers, particularly those with visual or hearing impairments.

In conclusion, the Routemaster, including the New Routemaster, has played a significant role in London's transport system, offering convenience and accessibility to all passengers, including those with wheelchairs and mobility aids. The retractable ramp and designated wheelchair space on the New Routemaster ensure that individuals with disabilities can navigate the city with ease.

The Routemaster has a climate-controlled ventilation system

The Routemaster is an iconic double-decker bus that has been a staple of London's public transport network for decades. The original AEC Routemaster, with its rear open platform and distinctive "half cab" design, was used as the standard London bus type until it was withdrawn from service in 2005 due to accessibility concerns.

In 2012, the New Routemaster was introduced, featuring a modern design while retaining the classic "hop-on hop-off" rear open platform. One notable feature of the New Routemaster is its climate-controlled ventilation system, which ensures a comfortable indoor climate for passengers throughout the year. Here are some key details about this system:

• The climate-controlled ventilation system is designed to maintain a comfortable temperature and adequate humidity levels inside the bus, providing a pleasant environment for passengers.
• This system likely incorporates features such as efficient heat recovery and fresh air ventilation to maintain optimal thermal and atmospheric conditions.
• Given the focus on improving the indoor climate, it probably includes low-noise ventilation to minimize any nuisance for passengers and is designed to comply with fire safety requirements.
• The ventilation system is part of the bus's overall effort to enhance the passenger experience, which also includes features like LED lighting, comfortable seating, and an audio-visual announcement system.
• The New Routemaster's ventilation system, along with other design elements, has been the subject of ongoing adjustments and improvements to address issues and ensure a positive travel experience.

The Routemaster, with its climate-controlled ventilation system, exemplifies the evolution of London's bus network, combining traditional elements with modern innovations to create a unique and functional transport experience.

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