When you think of London, what are the first images that come to mind? Perhaps you picture a famous landmark such as Buckingham Palace or Big Ben; maybe you imagine a guardsman in his bearskin hat, or a black cab. Yet for many people one of the most recognizable icons of the city is the red, double-decker Routemaster bus. A few years ago it seemed that the Routemaster might only be seen in old films and on postcards. But London´s colorful new mayor decided that the Routemaster should be revived and he has even launched a competition to design a new model. The winners of the competition have been announced and the new Routemaster should be on the streets in time for the 2012 Olympic Games. The history of the Routemaster can be traced back to London´s first ever bus – a horse-drawn carriage which ran from Paddington to Bank in 1829. It was called the “omnibus,” from the Latin word meaning “for all.” The word was gradually replaced by the abbreviation “bus,” although it has not disappeared: the phrase “the man on the Clapham omnibus,” which refers to the average citizen, is still in use today. Clapham, it might be added, is an area of London. The first motorized buses were introduced in the early 20th century, alongside the red, double-decker trolleybuses. The Routemaster itself first hit the streets of London in 1956. Although the last new Routemaster was built in 1968, these vehicles continued in regular service until 2005, although by then many had been replaced by one-man buses with no conductors. They were finally phased out to be replaced by modern buses which were more accessible to wheelchair user. The design of the Routemaster used techniques developed in aircraft production during World War II. It had an aluminium body, making it much lighter, and several new features for a bus, including power steering and automatic gears. The platform at the back allowed passengers to hop on and off, and there was a conductor on board to take fares and chat to people.
9/05/2009
London Routemaster History and Farewell (by Speak Up)
When you think of London, what are the first images that come to mind? Perhaps you picture a famous landmark such as Buckingham Palace or Big Ben; maybe you imagine a guardsman in his bearskin hat, or a black cab. Yet for many people one of the most recognizable icons of the city is the red, double-decker Routemaster bus. A few years ago it seemed that the Routemaster might only be seen in old films and on postcards. But London´s colorful new mayor decided that the Routemaster should be revived and he has even launched a competition to design a new model. The winners of the competition have been announced and the new Routemaster should be on the streets in time for the 2012 Olympic Games. The history of the Routemaster can be traced back to London´s first ever bus – a horse-drawn carriage which ran from Paddington to Bank in 1829. It was called the “omnibus,” from the Latin word meaning “for all.” The word was gradually replaced by the abbreviation “bus,” although it has not disappeared: the phrase “the man on the Clapham omnibus,” which refers to the average citizen, is still in use today. Clapham, it might be added, is an area of London. The first motorized buses were introduced in the early 20th century, alongside the red, double-decker trolleybuses. The Routemaster itself first hit the streets of London in 1956. Although the last new Routemaster was built in 1968, these vehicles continued in regular service until 2005, although by then many had been replaced by one-man buses with no conductors. They were finally phased out to be replaced by modern buses which were more accessible to wheelchair user. The design of the Routemaster used techniques developed in aircraft production during World War II. It had an aluminium body, making it much lighter, and several new features for a bus, including power steering and automatic gears. The platform at the back allowed passengers to hop on and off, and there was a conductor on board to take fares and chat to people.
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