Comment: A capital bus

Today the Mayor launches a design competition for a 21st century Routemaster. His manifesto promise to restore the Routemaster to London's streets is one of the few that most people remember - a commitment which had an instant resonance with the travelling public. It would, of course, be laudable if the competition engages public interest. It must not, however, become an excuse to drag out the process of commissioning a new Routemaster indefinitely.

The popular Routemasters were far better ventilated in hot weather than a driver-only bus and were far better suited to the static traffic on, for instance, Oxford Street than those without open access. By contrast, some of the models which have replaced them are both uncomfortable and downright inconvenient. What is more, the Routemaster is a beautiful vehicle, more aesthetically pleasing than any of its replacements.

Meantime, there is no reason whatever why bendy buses cannot be phased out as soon as possible. Worryingly, the contracts for bendy buses on two routes have recently been extended. These vehicles are a menace to other traffic, especially cyclists, and a standing invitation to fare-dodgers. We cannot be rid of them too soon.