The Wheels on the Bus...

Space age meets retro chic...

When people first arrive in London the tube is the only way to travel. I was guilty of this myself then I moved to a new area and the tube was that smidge bit too far and the bus stop right there with direct access to work. Since, I tend to choose the Routemasters  option when I can.

Why I ride the bus:

• The monthly bus pass is at least £30 cheaper than the tube one
• You get to see London from above
• Night buses save taxi money
• You don't often get your face in someone's pits

Things to be wary of:

• you usually have to add extra time to your travel time
• there is a higher ratio of crazies on the bus - some routes more than others...

Some buses are to be honest pretty gross so when the new Routemaster pulled up at the stop I really had to contain my excitement. 

I love bus.

If Iron Man was a form of transport, the new Routemaster would be it. Shiny red and gold (for the time being...) and all sleek lines.

Key changes:

• The overall shape is less boxy and more rounded
• You can get on at the front, middle AND back doors (I wanted to reenact scenes of me hanging out the back and singing to the world but ain't nobody got time for that in London!)
• There's stairs to go up to the top deck at the front AND back
• The 'get off' bell button is now round
• You can't open the windows on the top deck but the cooling (and I presume heating come winter) was pretty good
• Overall more seats

With all it's new bits and bobs, the internals have made a return to the past giving a more retro vibe. It'll be interesting how well it holds up when it gets a little less shiny and new...

All buses are slowly being converted to the new Routemaster so maybe there will be a route near you soon!

Yeah... I just blogged about buses.