Regenerating London's Buses

In 2000, London’s public transport returned to local control, with both Mayor and the national Government having a major commitment to public transport. This was a stimulating time with the possibility – at last – of real progress in public transport instead of constraints, cut backs, increasing congestion and a declining market. The text is based on around thirty interviews with people from throughout London’s buses, and the story is told largely in their own words. It includes Routemasters, the Congestion Charge, the arrival and early departure of articulated buses, the development of the New Routemaster and the achievement of a low-floor, low and zero-emission fleet. There were the Olympic games, snow, floods and terrorist bombs. Overall, the story describes the major build up in the bus service to a level not seen since the 1950s.