While reading an article on serendipity - those lucky coincidences in life - the author used an example from his (her) own life.Years ago a friend who was conducting interviews for a high-powered job, related the story of an interviewee who had bizarrely rambled on and on about "The Reliable Routemaster" bus and thus lost any chance of getting the job. Then one day I came across a Routemaster bus which was being used for publicity for some venture. Some days later, I created my lens on the Routemaster bus which has turned out to be one of my most successful lenses.
I clicked over to this lens and was fascinated by a whole new world I was not aware of. Apparently, the red Routemaster bus is an iconic tourist attraction in London, England. Never having been to London myself, this was new to me. I have heard of London trolleys, and have ridden on doubledecker buses before, but this particular bus seems to be very special. The author, known as thesuccess, warns right at the beginning that Routemaster bus fans are obsessive!
These buses are known for being very reliable and easy to hop on and off of, even if the bus is moving. The bus drivers, as well, were often very entertaining and knowledgeable. Change is inevitable, though. Just as Routemaster buses replaced trolleys in the late 40's, early 50's, now the Routemaster buses are being replaced for newer models. Still, some remain for promotional purposes and for adventure tours. This was even an issue in the most recent mayoral election. The new Mayor promised to replace the current bendable buses with updated Routemaster models.
Are all red double-decker buses Routemasters? No, according to true Routemaster afficionados. Routemaster buses can be identified by their unique radiator grill and their width. They are a little wider than other buses and sometimes too wide for certain streets.
If you are visiting London and would like to ride a Routemaster bus, thesuccess provides the names of two heritage routes, where you can still ride one. You can also see a real Routemaster bus at London's Transport Museum. On this page, you will find a wealth of information about the bus, including movies it has appeared in, and books written about them. There is even a funny ad for potato chips starring the Routemaster bus.
Kim, what an interesting story about the Routemaster Bus. I was in London in 1992, and remember seeing many red double-decker buses, but can't remember if any were the famous 'Routemaster' bus.
ReplyDeleteI'm also delighted to meet 'thesuccess', a lensmaster new to me until today. Such fun meeting new lensmasters reviewed here because I know they will have well written and interesting lenses.
I knew of the double decker tour buses but not the Routemaster. One of my life goals is to visit London. When I do, I will be looking up a Routemaster Bus, thanks to you and thesuccess! Great review.
ReplyDeleteI rode on a double-decker bus once at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, but I doubt that it was a Routemaster! I love that image you chose for the article and I will visit this lens.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim for the introduction to this lensmaster, and the Routemaster buses. I thought they were just double decker buses too :) Now, next time I go to England I might go to that museum.
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