A new bus for London by Thomas Heatherwich

The design of the new bus was created by British designer Thomas Heatherwick.

 

What's new?

The design incorporates two staircases and three doors, including a hop-on-hop-off platform at the back of the bus.

The first of the new buses went into service in February, causing a stir with the return of a hop-on-hop-off platform at the back and bands of glass swooping round two stairwells.

Enjoy this short movie in which Thomas Heatherwick talks to Dezeen editor-in-chief Marcus Fairs about redesigning the iconic red double-decker bus for London in this interview filmed by Dezeen at the preview of Heatherwick Studio: Designing the Extraordinary at the V&A museum in London.

Have you already seen the new bus in London? Is it cool? Which one do you prefer?  

Read more about Thomas Heatherwich's V&A exhibition here in our earlier story.

London Transport – helpful apps and websites

Transport for London's website is pretty comprehensive but can be a bit daunting if you don't know where to start. Here's some tips on how best to use TFL and other tech/sites to help you get around London – we've already touched on some general advice on getting around London.


STEP ONE: Sign up to TFL's weekend DLR, Tube and Overground closures email for the weeks you'll spend in London here. That way you can plan ahead and rule out ridiculous, roundabout routes.

STEP TWO: Download the Bus Checker app for iPhone so that you can find out exactly when to leave your apartment to catch the next bus to your chosen destination. It's £1.99 and well worth it if you're in London for more than a few days and want to explore by bus.

STEP THREE: Use Google Maps before you leave or on your phone instead of TFL if you're walking. TFL often overestimates how long it will take you to walk to destinations. So just check Google Maps before you leave and it will show you a route to take and approximately how long it will take.

STEP FOUR: Walk It "the urban walking route planner" is also great for walking around the city - make sure you check the site before you leave.