On Sun, 01 Feb 2004 13:47:16 +0000, Alek wrote:

However the present concentration on Cashless Articulated operation in
Central London appears to be throwing up substantial funding issues.

Which is a separate issue. I noted on the site concerned that there is a
plan to reduce frequency with the introduction of bendies. This isn't a
problem with bendies - it's a problem with cutting corners for financial
reasons.

The Routemaster is simply a very efficient machine which as yet has not
been surpassed in design philosophy.

Is it? I think it's more of a solid, old design which has lasted a long
time (just like the Class 101 DMU trains on the railway which lasted over
40 years until finally being withdrawn on 31/12/03), and one people have
come to associate (emotionally) with the London cityscape, but it isn't
necessarily the best design.

I personally very much agree with the "cashless bus" concept - and this
together with fast loading/unloading allows the operation of a very
"efficient" service. I know this because I've experienced it on the
Continent.

The sensible operation of bendies in a Continental-style "rubber-tyred
tram" operation requires other things, though, such as bus lanes,
traffic-light priority/overtaking lanes, good passenger information,
sensibly-located and -spaced stops and *strict* enforcement of
no-stopping in the way of bus stops. In the UK, even in London, these
things tend to be done half-heartedly. Enough for a bit of good
publicity, not enough to make it work properly.

Save the Routemaster Indeed......But only if it remains capable of
performing its task !!

Which, if funding is not available to do bendies *properly*, might well be
the case.

Neil