London has long been famous for its retro-style taxi cabs and bright red double-decker buses. The urban landscape will slightly change with the arrival of new ultra-modern buses in 2012. And red will turn into green!
Called "New Bus for London," the iconic final design was unveiled yesterday by Mayor Boris Johnson. It stands out with an advanced construction that largely relies on lightweight materials to improve fuel economy.
According to the manufacturer, the New Bus for London will be 15 percent more fuel-efficient than existing hybrid buses, 40 percent more efficient than conventional diesel-powered double-deckers and also much quieter in the streets.
An asymmetric glass area will help the New Bus paint a different picture of the UK’s capital. A glass 'swoop' at the rear and offside pick out the two staircases and provide a dramatic visual effect. Another asymmetric design for the front end completes the futuristic look.
Eighty-seven passengers will be able to sit inside. An open platform shared with the old Routemaster buses of the 1950s will allow them to hop on or off even at low speeds.
England’s internationally-acclaimed Heatherwick Studio is credited with the design of the New Bus for London. The company has previously designed a number of striking buildings and features, including the Rolling Bridge at Paddington Basin in London and Longchamp’s SoHo store in New York City.
Described as a "stunning red emblem of 21st-century London" by the mayor, the New Bus for London will be built in Northern Ireland by Wrightbus.
Wrightbus engineers are currently working on a static mock-up of the bus. The first prototype will be delivered late next year and the new buses will enter service from early 2012.
Called "New Bus for London," the iconic final design was unveiled yesterday by Mayor Boris Johnson. It stands out with an advanced construction that largely relies on lightweight materials to improve fuel economy.
According to the manufacturer, the New Bus for London will be 15 percent more fuel-efficient than existing hybrid buses, 40 percent more efficient than conventional diesel-powered double-deckers and also much quieter in the streets.
An asymmetric glass area will help the New Bus paint a different picture of the UK’s capital. A glass 'swoop' at the rear and offside pick out the two staircases and provide a dramatic visual effect. Another asymmetric design for the front end completes the futuristic look.
Eighty-seven passengers will be able to sit inside. An open platform shared with the old Routemaster buses of the 1950s will allow them to hop on or off even at low speeds.
England’s internationally-acclaimed Heatherwick Studio is credited with the design of the New Bus for London. The company has previously designed a number of striking buildings and features, including the Rolling Bridge at Paddington Basin in London and Longchamp’s SoHo store in New York City.
Described as a "stunning red emblem of 21st-century London" by the mayor, the New Bus for London will be built in Northern Ireland by Wrightbus.
Wrightbus engineers are currently working on a static mock-up of the bus. The first prototype will be delivered late next year and the new buses will enter service from early 2012.
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| The New Bus for London will be built in Northern Ireland by Wrightbus and is scheduled to hit the streets of London in 2012. (Photo: The Wright Group/Transport for London) |