Mock up of new London bus unveiled

Model that takes inspiration from the old Routemaster will hit the roads in 2012

A life-size mock-up of the new bus for London has been unveiled at the London Transport Museum's depot in Acton.

Wrightbus and Transport for London have been working with Heatherwick Studio as a collaborative design partner taking the lead on the look and feel of the bus to support Wrightbus in the engineering design and development process.

The outside of the bus is red and the interior decor takes inspiration from the old Routemaster.

The mock-up will be used to fine tune the design of the bus to make sure it is perfectly suited to the needs of Londoners.

It will be used to show key stakeholders and seek their views giving them a chance to look around the bus, get on board and test out some of the key features including the open rear platform.

A prototype will be delivered late next year with the first five buses due to enter passenger service in early 2012.

All bendy buses will be gone by the end of 2011.

Peter Hendy, London's Transport Commissioner said: "Producing the mock-up of the bus has been a vital part of the development process and provides the opportunity for people to have a hands-on experience when sharing their views of the bus."

Further information:
Greater London Authority