Boris buses, officially known as the New Routemaster, are a distinctive type of hybrid double-decker bus designed for London, characterized by their iconic design reminiscent of the original AEC Routemaster and featuring three doors, two staircases, and an open platform at the rear. Commissioned by Boris Johnson during his tenure as Mayor of London, these buses aimed to modernize the city's fleet while retaining a classic aesthetic and addressing accessibility concerns.

The New Routemaster's creation stemmed from Boris Johnson's 2008 election promise to introduce a successor to the original Routemaster bus, which had been phased out due to accessibility limitations. Johnson envisioned a bus that combined the nostalgia of the old Routemaster with modern environmental standards and improved accessibility features.

The design was the result of a competition, ultimately won by Heatherwick Studio, who collaborated with Wrightbus to manufacture the vehicles. The result was a striking design featuring a curved front, a distinctive rear platform, and a lightweight aluminum body. The buses were initially praised for their aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits, but quickly became the subject of scrutiny regarding their operational effectiveness and cost.

The New Routemaster boasts several key features that distinguish it from other buses in London's fleet:

Despite its initial fanfare, the New Routemaster faced numerous challenges and criticisms:

The purchase of New Routemasters was halted in 2016 under the subsequent mayor, Sadiq Khan, citing their high cost and questionable effectiveness. The existing fleet continues to operate on various routes throughout London, but no further additions are planned. The New Routemaster remains a controversial but undeniably iconic part of London's public transport landscape.

A Boris bus, or New Routemaster, differs from a regular double-decker bus in several ways. It has a distinctive design, featuring three doors (including the controversial open platform), two staircases, and a hybrid engine. Regular double-decker buses typically have two doors and one staircase and may not utilize hybrid technology.

There are approximately 1,000 New Routemaster buses currently operating in London.

Boris buses are designed to be more environmentally friendly than older diesel buses, utilizing a hybrid engine that reduces emissions. However, their environmental performance has been debated, and newer electric buses offer even cleaner operation.

The open platform is often closed due to concerns about passenger safety, fare evasion, and the potential for overcrowding. Transport for London (TfL) has deployed conductors on some routes to manage the open platform, but in many cases, it remains closed.

Boris buses operate on various routes throughout London. Popular routes include the 8, 10, 24, 38, and many others. It's best to check the TfL website or app for the most up-to-date route information.

The total cost of purchasing the New Routemaster fleet was substantial, estimated to be over £350 million. This high cost has been a major point of criticism.

Early versions of the New Routemaster suffered from poor ventilation and were not adequately air-conditioned. Later models were improved, but the issue remains a common complaint, especially during hot weather.

The New Routemaster was designed by Heatherwick Studio, in collaboration with Wrightbus, who manufactured the vehicles.

They are called "Boris buses" because they were commissioned by Boris Johnson during his time as Mayor of London. The name is a popular nickname reflecting his role in their creation.

Yes, the New Routemaster is designed to be accessible for disabled passengers. It features a low-floor entry at the middle door, a designated wheelchair space, and visual and auditory announcements.

No, the purchase of New Routemasters was halted in 2016, and there are no plans to build more. The focus has shifted to electric buses.

The exact lifespan of the New Routemaster fleet is uncertain. TfL typically operates buses for around 14 years, so many of the Boris buses will likely remain in service for several more years, although their eventual replacement with electric vehicles is anticipated.