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27/02/2012
Routemaster Bus Makes London Debut
The new Routemaster bus has made its maiden voyage this morning in London. Mayor Boris Johnson had announced plans in 2008 for the hybrid buses, which run on a diesel-electric motor. In total 8 buses will run on route 38, from Victoria Station in Central London to Hackney in the east. The buses have an open ‘hop-on, hop-off’ platform at the rear complete with conductor.
Costing £1.4 million per bus, a standard double-decker bus costs just £190,000, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have all critised the buses.
"Riding this bus is surely the most expensive bus ticket in history," said Labour MP David Lammy. "With 62 seats at a cost of £1.4m, the cost per seat is £22,580. At £22,695, you can buy a brand new 3 series BMW."
Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Lib Dems on the London Assembly, said: "What Boris Johnson has managed to achieve is to hike up the cost of a single bus fare by 50% and ensure that buses on routes across London are far more crowded.
Jenny Jones of the Green Party has questioned if expenditure on the buses is the best environmental choice with a part spokesman saying,
"Jenny is concerned that London bus operators will refuse to buy these new buses for London, as their costs will be considerably higher if they are unable to re-sell them second hand to either UK operators or foreign operators."
Johnson has defended the new bus, saying: "When ordered in greater numbers it will make a significant economic contribution to the manufacturing industries, while also helping deliver a cleaner, greener and more pleasant city.
The green innards of this red bus mean that it is twice as fuel efficient as a diesel bus and the most environment-friendly of its kind."
(H)
Costing £1.4 million per bus, a standard double-decker bus costs just £190,000, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have all critised the buses.
"Riding this bus is surely the most expensive bus ticket in history," said Labour MP David Lammy. "With 62 seats at a cost of £1.4m, the cost per seat is £22,580. At £22,695, you can buy a brand new 3 series BMW."
Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Lib Dems on the London Assembly, said: "What Boris Johnson has managed to achieve is to hike up the cost of a single bus fare by 50% and ensure that buses on routes across London are far more crowded.
Jenny Jones of the Green Party has questioned if expenditure on the buses is the best environmental choice with a part spokesman saying,
"Jenny is concerned that London bus operators will refuse to buy these new buses for London, as their costs will be considerably higher if they are unable to re-sell them second hand to either UK operators or foreign operators."
Johnson has defended the new bus, saying: "When ordered in greater numbers it will make a significant economic contribution to the manufacturing industries, while also helping deliver a cleaner, greener and more pleasant city.
The green innards of this red bus mean that it is twice as fuel efficient as a diesel bus and the most environment-friendly of its kind."
(H)
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11 February 2015
London Bus Drivers Postpone Strike Action
Planned strike action by London bus drivers has been postponed as an "act of goodwill". The strike action was due to take place on Friday and Monday, with drivers walking out across the city's 18 bus companies. Unite the union has called on the bus companies to accept an invitation for talks.
London Bus Drivers Postpone Strike Action
Planned strike action by London bus drivers has been postponed as an "act of goodwill". The strike action was due to take place on Friday and Monday, with drivers walking out across the city's 18 bus companies. Unite the union has called on the bus companies to accept an invitation for talks.
11 May 2012
London Underground Workers Welcome Olympic Payment
Unite members working for London Underground have welcomed an £850 Olympic payment. There had been extensive negotiations over the working arrangements attached to the deal and to whom the payments should apply. Unite represents hundreds of engineering, electrical, power control and management workers employed by London Underground Limited.
London Underground Workers Welcome Olympic Payment
Unite members working for London Underground have welcomed an £850 Olympic payment. There had been extensive negotiations over the working arrangements attached to the deal and to whom the payments should apply. Unite represents hundreds of engineering, electrical, power control and management workers employed by London Underground Limited.
05 February 2015
London Bus Drivers Stage 24-Hour Strike
Bus drivers in London are currently staging a 24-hour strike. At 00:00 on Wednesday, members of the union Unite walked out. The dispute is in relation to pay differences between the city's 18 bus companies.
London Bus Drivers Stage 24-Hour Strike
Bus drivers in London are currently staging a 24-hour strike. At 00:00 on Wednesday, members of the union Unite walked out. The dispute is in relation to pay differences between the city's 18 bus companies.
10 September 2015
Bus Operators To Share Clean Bus Technology Funds
Funding is being offered to bus operators across England to equip buses with emission cutting technology and offer passengers better journeys.
Bus Operators To Share Clean Bus Technology Funds
Funding is being offered to bus operators across England to equip buses with emission cutting technology and offer passengers better journeys.
25 February 2008
Guilty Verdict In Bus Stalker Trial
Levi Bellfield has been found guilty of the murders of two women in the trial dubbed the 'Bus Stalker' killings. Bellfield was found guilty of the murders of Amelie Delagrange, 22, in August 2004 and Marsha McDonnell, 19, in February 2003, following nearly six days of deliberation by the jury at the Old Bailey.
Guilty Verdict In Bus Stalker Trial
Levi Bellfield has been found guilty of the murders of two women in the trial dubbed the 'Bus Stalker' killings. Bellfield was found guilty of the murders of Amelie Delagrange, 22, in August 2004 and Marsha McDonnell, 19, in February 2003, following nearly six days of deliberation by the jury at the Old Bailey.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
