Rejoice! Routemaster buses to get windows that open 12:46 18 September 2015 Zoah Hedges-Stocks The original Routemaster was withdrawn in 2005, but Boris commisioned a new version which has faced criticism over temperatures
Boris rode to mayoral victory with the promise that he would bring back the iconic Routemaster, but Londoner were left disappointed when issues with air conditioning meant the new version of the bus turned out to be a humid box of sweat.
But now TfL have finally agreed to a technological advancement that will ameliorate the sweltering temperatures on board the new Routemaster buses: windows that can open.
Director of buses Mike Weston told the Evening Standard: We were aware of passenger concerns about the cooling system on the New Routemaster and the Mayor asked us to work with Wrights to look at possible design options to improve passenger comfort.
Were pleased theyve now been able to come up with an affordable and working design to install opening windows, which we anticipate will have been installed across our entire fleet by next summer.
The 500 buses currently servicing London will be altered, and all new Routemasters will have openable windows installed as they are built.
Whilst the news is very welcome, Val Shawcross AM, Labours London Assembly transport spokesperson pointed out the extra costs on top of the money already spent on the new buses: With passengers enduring years of suffocating journeys on overheated buses, these upgrades will be welcomed. But the paying public has been left to fork out £2 million pounds for more upgrades to what was supposed to be a state of the art vehicle.
She also criticised the Mayors involvement: Its clear the Routemaster has come to represent yet another ill-thought out, increasingly expensive legacy project for Boris Johnson to leave behind. Whats your opinion? Let us know on Twitter at @London24 or comment below.
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