Is The New Bus for London A Bus With Presence?
Coming back from the Angel tonight, I caught a New Bus for London from Islington Green. When it was spotted, quite a few people moved from the standard 38 bus in front and walked back a few yards to make sure they caught the New Bus. Obviously, some people prefer it.
But seeing them on the road, it strikes me that the New Bus advertises itself and other drivers get out of the way. It could be that as it looks bigger, although it isn’t that much so, people are wary of it and move over. I’ve not heard of an accident involving a New Bus, but then there are only five on the road. But then since, I’ve lived here, the only accidents reported involved the dreaded bendy buses. I would love Transport for London to publish all bus accidents, so they could be properly analysed.
Speaking as a pedestrian, I always notice a New Bus, when I see it. But then I would hope I notice all other buses, when I cross the road. On the other hand, because the lights on the New Bus are more prominent and probably better-designed, it is easier to ascertain what one is doing.
The New and the Old
The picture shows the New Bus alongside one of its predecessors. Note the bigger and more prominent lights on the New Bus.
The Anonymous Widower 
Is there five now? what number is the fifth and when did it come into service?
Comment by AverageJoe | July 6, 2012 |
I’ve seen 1, 2, 4 and 6. But a driver told me there are five now.
Comment by AnonW | July 6, 2012 |
the same thing happened at hackney central when I was waiting for the 38 last week, only one traveller got on the usual 38 and a dozen or so passengers hung back to board the new bus. When aboard I overheard many positive comments from young and old too so it does seem to be a big hit with the general public.
Comment by AverageJoe | July 6, 2012 |
Last night, I sat in one of the four seats downstairs with a largish black guy about thirty-five. We chatted about the bus for a few minutes and then when I got off, we shook hands like long-lost friends. If a bus can make each trip one amongst friends, it will be to everyone’s advantage.
Comment by AnonW | July 6, 2012 |
I hear detractors saying the extra cost of the “conductor” will put off operators from taking on the Nb4L. Judging by the reactions we have both witnessed I think bus operators will be happy to use the new buses. I don’t remember any complaints of extra cost when two crew Routemasters were running.
Comment by AverageJoe | July 7, 2012 |
I’ve not heard any complaints from Arriva. The driver/conductors have told me they enjoy the job. Remember all conductors are drivers too. One supervisor at Victoria, told me, they’ve had lots of foreign bus operators come for the ride. I think the biggest complaints will be from the tour bus operators. Why would you go on one of their’s, when you can get on a bus with charisma?
I had to get from Bank to the National Gallery recently and an old Routemaster on Heritage route 15, turned up. I got on it and there wasn’t a tourist in site, but quite a few men and women in suits going to the Law Courts and the Inns. Those buses are of course are double-crewed.
Comment by AnonW | July 8, 2012 |