Fuel efficient Routemaster bus 'to be introduced'

Date: 29/12/2009

An energy efficient version of the Routemaster bus is to be introduced in London, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.

The iconic red buses were phased out in 2005, but TfL plans to reintroduce them in 2011.

The new model will be 40 per cent more fuel-efficient than conventional diesel buses.

It will feature three entrances, including the iconic open platform at the back which allows passengers to hop on and off.

It will be possible to shut the platform at night and other times.

London mayor Boris Johnson commented that Londoners have been waiting patiently for the Routemaster's comeback to be finalised.

"We can look forward to a new icon of London that not only returns to the capital the joy of the open platform, but also utilises the latest state-of-the art green technology, slashing pollution and fuel consumption," he said.

The chosen manufacturer for the new buses is Northern Ireland-based company Wrightbus.