When mentioning double decker bus, red London double decker bus with name of Routemaster can be considered as the classical design. However, lots of people still wonder why such classical London bus has withdrawn from the historical stage gradually. Three reasons are introduced below.
Firstly, just from the double decker bus design, it is too much dangerous when taking it because there is no bus door. According to the official figures, every year, at leas one or two passengers would fall from bus to lead to death because of careless.
Secondly, it is not convenient for disabled person to take the bus. Since 1999, the British government has called for low floor type bus, however, Routemaster didn’t respond to the call. With more and more low floor type buses appeared in London, the retired pace has accelerated. On 9th, December, 2015, the last Routemaster, NO.159 bus route, finished their regular service in London.
Thirdly, the operating cost of double decker bus has become higher and higher. Its operating costs is about 15 percent higher than other coach services, therefore London government has to burden higher financial burden on public transport every year.
The final factor which should not miss is that the Routemaster can not meet the environmental protection standard which becomes more and more stricter.