Save the Routemaster - London's bus

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The Routemaster bus, with its open back and conductors, is a global symbol of Britains capital, cherished by Londoners and tourists alike. It seems that you are intent on scrapping this bus without so much as asking the people who use it, and others, if this is what they want.

Admittedly, it has its drawbacks. Its not the most wheelchair accessible form of transport. And where possible every effort should be made to make transport accessible. Its also maybe more expensive to maintain than modern buses.

But a balance has to be struck between these concerns and the role this bus plays as a design icon, symbol of London, and, most importantly, a comfortable and enjoyable form of transport. Also, in London, these iconic buses operate only a small number of routes anyway. And these buses are still going strong after half a century.

Please, Transport for London, dont consign the Routemaster to the bus garage of history.

13326 Signatures

  • Colin R
  • Ian R
    • Comments
    • Nostalgia, economics, safety, economy, aesthetics, practicality and democracy. Re-consider
  • Jonathan G
    • Comments
    • Routemasters are by far the best busses for London
    • Where do you live?
    • Stoke Newington
  • Sue W
    • Where do you live?
    • London N12
  • BrianMc
    • Comments
    • Routemasters are brilliant in conception and delivery. Something to preserve surely?
    • Where do you live?
    • London
  • Peter H
    • Where do you live?
    • Kentish Town
  • Steve B
    • Where do you live?
    • London / Munich (Germany)
  • Elizabeth V
    • Comments
    • Routemasters are part of our London culture, and I am very upset by the idea of losing them. It is taking conformity too far.
    • Where do you live?
    • Angel N1
  • Peter F
    • Comments
    • A classic timeless icon that gives London its unique character
    • Where do you live?
    • Knightsbridge
  • Linda G
    • Comments
    • I am a pregnant single mother and I find routemasters more accedssible than other buses. The number 38 route is the best and gets me safely to and from some of the best Goth clubs in London. Long live the 38! I'm with Mr Hodge on this one!!
    • Where do you live?
    • Hackney
  • Bosi
    • Comments
    • Many people find the low floor bus inaccessible and the routemaster accessible. We must cater for the many not the few. In fact, "omnibus" means we must cater for all.
    • Where do you live?
    • Islington
  • PJD K
    • Where do you live?
    • Highbury N1
  • Duncan C
    • Comments
    • Not only are they a major part of 'London' they are also the most convenient means of travel allowing one to hop on and off at their leisure
    • Where do you live?
    • Stoke Newington
  • Luke H
  • Jake T
    • Comments
    • Save The Routemaster. Down With The Government. Down With America.
    • Where do you live?
    • Clapham Old Town
  • Simon C
    • Comments
    • Not only are they a world renowned design icon, they are also a very important symbol of London and this county's individuality. At least this matter should be democratically decided rather than dictatorially declared
    • Where do you live?
    • Brixton
  • Tony T
    • Comments
    • The Routmaster is PERFECTION for London
    • Where do you live?
    • South Kensington
  • HPike
    • Where do you live?
    • N16
  • Brian N
    • Comments
    • Member: Routemaster Owners & Operators Association
    • Where do you live?
    • Bermuda ( where we have one RM 1314 )
  • Gabriella
    • Comments
    • I love these buses, by far the best kind, leave them alone!!!
    • Where do you live?
    • North London
  • David G
    • Comments
    • Oxford Street on a Saturday...Routemaster from one end to the other hop on hop off. Sorted. Why make it harder?
    • Where do you live?
    • London
  • Michael G
    • Where do you live?
    • London
  • Jason T
    • Comments
    • If it is at all viable to maintain operation of routemasters on routes where they are most suitable, their advantages over newly built buses (more comfortable, more seats, 'hop on hop off' convenience) should afford them protection.
    • Where do you live?
    • Thornton Heath
  • Roger M
    • Comments
    • I have been using Routemasters since they were first introduced (and the earlier versions before that) and have always enjoyed them (particularly since smoking was banned). This petition should also be called "Save the Conductor" - also an important feature of the Routemasters.
    • Where do you live?
    • Islington
  • Michael C
    • Comments
    • I only said blow the bloody bendies up - leave the sodding Routemasters alone. Londoners love their Routemasters and so do I, not many people know that
    • Where do you live?
    • North Pole
  • Arnold S
    • Comments
    • Asta la Vista Bendy!
    • Where do you live?
    • Peckham
  • Jonny V
    • Comments
    • Monkey, Monkey!
  • Stephen M
    • Where do you live?
    • South East London
  • Michelle H
    • Comments
    • Blakey will be turning in his grave
    • Where do you live?
    • N London
  • Oliver H
    • Comments
    • Why go against what people OBVIOUSLY want? This is out heritage as well as being a hugely preferable way to get around London. Don't expect me to use buses again if I have to start queueing at filthy cold bus stops. The new buses are pungeant, ugly, uncomfy and soleless. Get rid of them!
    • Where do you live?
    • Maldon, Essex
  • Michael H
    • Comments
    • Can we keep just a little piece of our tradition please?
    • Where do you live?
    • Romford
  • M M
    • Comments
    • Keep the Routemaster - they are efficient and less troublesome than the modern buses. Also from a tourist point of view, they are "what they expect"
    • Where do you live?
    • IG9
  • robert b
    • Comments
    • The king of buses, must stay forever.
    • Where do you live?
    • london
  • Robert E
    • Comments
    • What possible reason do you have for removing a lasting symbol of our great Metropolis?
    • Where do you live?
    • Hainault
  • shaun r
    • Comments
    • save the routemaster please - its a part of our heritage, let it live!
    • Where do you live?
    • Stratford, East London
  • j.payne
    • Comments
    • The economy of London is complex. It relies heavily upon transport efficiency. It is scandalous to even consider withdrawal of the most efficient bus ever known. A direct replacement to the same design must be sought
    • Where do you live?
    • hemel hempstead
  • James C
  • kieran
    • Comments
    • save the damn buses dammit
    • Where do you live?
    • London, England
  • joe t
    • Where do you live?
    • waltham cross
  • Martin C
    • Comments
    • A beautifully designed and practical vehicle which is part of English Heritage
    • Where do you live?
    • Essex
  • Clare H
    • Where do you live?
    • W11
  • Duncan B
  • Jeff B
    • Comments
    • We had a similar situation here in toronto with our PCC Trams (1995) once proud symbols of our city of Toronto eliminated because of short sighted political moves, not in the best interests of our city and its heritage.
    • Where do you live?
    • Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Tony R
    • Comments
    • They are more efficient and user friendly than bendy busses and don't clog up traffic so much.
    • Where do you live?
    • On the 73 route!
  • Alan M
    • Where do you live?
    • Welling Kent
  • Andrew G
    • Where do you live?
    • London
  • Tim P
    • Comments
    • I only use a bus if it's a Routemaster. Modern busses are infuriating, so please encourage the use of public transport by keeping the Routemaster
    • Where do you live?
    • Marylebone
  • Stuart B
    • Comments
    • Please Save the Routemaster!!!
    • Where do you live?
    • Central London
  • Mr G
    • Comments
    • Please lets have some consultation and keep a Routemaster Bus network in London
  • Liz B
    • Comments
    • Routemasters operate with the traditional conducter, not just a driver. Keep the clippies! They provide information, courtesy and safety.
    • Where do you live?
    • Hammersmith