London is phasing out the New Routemaster bus, a diesel-hybrid model launched in 2012, as the city shifts toward a fully electric public transport fleet. The move marks the end of an era for a vehicle that became synonymous with former mayor Boris Johnson’s tenure, earning it the nickname “Boris Bus.”
The Shift to Electric
Transport for London (TfL) is systematically replacing the Wrightbus-manufactured Routemasters with zero-emission alternatives. Four key routes will see the buses retired this year, with another slated for removal in 2028. This transition reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and cleaner air in the capital. Currently, EVs already constitute around 30% of London’s 8,500-bus fleet.
Political Context and Design Flaws
The decision to retire the buses has been championed by current mayor Sadiq Khan, who previously criticized the Routemaster as a wasteful and poorly designed legacy of his predecessor. Khan highlighted issues with the buses, including non-opening windows and unreliable air conditioning, calling them “incredibly expensive.” His administration pledged to prioritize value for money and introduce more efficient, zero-emission buses with improved features.
A Design Born from Collaboration
The Routemaster’s origins trace back to 2007 when Autocar commissioned bus designer Capoco to envision a modern replacement for the original Routemaster. The resulting RMXL concept – a hydrogen-fuelled hybrid with retro design cues – caught the attention of then-mayor Boris Johnson, who later launched a competition to bring a similar design to production. The final result was the New Routemaster, built by Wrightbus starting in 2012.
Long-Term Outlook
Despite the phase-out, some of the youngest Routemasters may remain in service past 2030. TfL forecasts complete diesel bus removal by 2034. However, the gradual withdrawal signals the end of a distinctive chapter in London’s public transport history.
“Public procurement cares little for sentimentality.”
The retirement of the “Boris Bus” exemplifies how pragmatic considerations – cost, efficiency, and environmental impact – ultimately outweigh nostalgic attachment in public spending decisions.
