London To Drop Bendy Buses
We’ve talked about articulated buses, and how they are unaffectionately known as ‘bendy buses’ or ’sham trams.’ Well, in a post about London getting rid of their bendy buses, TreeHugger says that the bendy-buses suck:
In addition, the hated “bendy bus”–a two carriage, 60 foot long vehicle that knocked over pedestrians, took up too much space on the crowded streets and was always empty, will be phased out.
Apparently, the Mayor of London loves the old time double-decker buses - the ‘RouteMasters‘, and hates the bendy buses. Part of the reason for his anti-bendy bus fervor is that he says they’re more dangerous than other types of buses. It seems the claim may not be accurate - but regardless, I’m with the idea of getting rid of the bendy buses - I’d just like to not replace them with anything.
One commenter says the following:
I remember that the bendy bus replaced the route-master but could carry far fewer passengers.
London has tiny medieval streets and these things would have to turn right in order to get a wide enough turning circle to turn left. There were only indicator lights at the rear of the bus and so cyclists would assume that the bus was making a right turn and therefore be trapped and squashed.
These monsters would block up entire streets and roundabouts. They were all over cycle lanes. I certainly voted in order to get rid of them and send them back to airport car parks where they belong.
I have a better idea for London - get rid of all buses. Put in real bicycle infrastructure, and if you absolutely have to have more motorized transport, put in some rail.
…From Inhabitat - we get a picture of what these new monstrous buses will look like when they’re in the urban landscape. Keep in mind that these enormous, multi-ton chunks of glass and steel will be controlled by fallible humans:
[p.s. The Forums are open for participation.]
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Get rid of all buses? Buses are very helpful for older people with limited means. Many people (older or otherwise) have limited mobility, making it difficult to walk much less bike.
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:39 pm
yep - get rid of every single one of them. cars, too. of course, we can’t do it overnight. and i’m not suggesting we leave anyone stranded. if we can’t find suitable replacements for buses, then we can’t get rid of them, but if we can, and i know we can, then we should get rid of them.
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:46 pm
i should add that one of the reasons i prefer to bike is that it’s less taxing on my body than walking. a soccer injury messed me up in weird ways. i suspect the same is true for many people. often, people who are either old, injured, fat, whatever have trouble walking, but they can bike - especially on trikes.