Background
Articulated buses were introduced on several high-capacity routes in the 2000s, coinciding with withdrawal from passenger service of the Routemaster bus from the streets. The Routemasters, involving a step upwards and poor accessibility did not conform to the Disability Discrimination Act. There was also the risk of litigation over accidents involving the Routemaster's rear open platform.
Articulated buses with multiple doors and simultaneous boarding arrangements are capable of loading and off-loading many more passengers in less time than conventional double decker buses and Routemasters. Articulated buses also have a much higher passenger capacity, being able to carry over 140 people per vehicle compared to 77 in a Routemaster, although the proportion of standing passengers is increased.
Articulated buses take up more road space per vehicle (18 metres or 59 feet long compared to 9.1 metres or 30 feet for a Routemaster and 10 metres or 33 feet for a double decker), although in terms of road surface used per passenger, there is little difference between double decker buses (which stack passengers vertically on two floors) and articulated buses – 11.8 cm road surface length per Routemaster passenger against 12.8 cm per articulated bus passenger: 8.7% more.
The increased vehicle size means they are more likely to block junctions and cause difficulties for other road users. Press coverage regarding cyclists and motorcyclists was generally negative due to the reduced viewpoint of the driver and greater likelihood of cyclists to enter blind spots.
Read more about this topic: Articulated Buses In London
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