In this article, I will be reviewing Transport for London's (TfL) New Bus Vehicle Specification version 2.5 and Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) Bus Specification for their franchised Bee Network and suggesting a new common bus specification for London, Greater Manchester, other franchised areas, municipal bus companies, etc. I will also briefly include the specification for the three-door, two-staircase bus named New Routemaster (NRM).
As the documents are too detailed and specific, I will show the relevant parts and make a comparison. Some of my readers may have seen the comparison of the bus specifications posted on my social media pages.
So far, TfL has stated in a Freedom of Information request that version 2.5 is still the latest New Bus Vehicle Specification used for new buses as part of the bus operating company’s tender contracts.
Version 2.6 of the specifications hasn’t been published yet. We anticipate the earliest this may be published is the end of this year. Version 2.5 was only published in April 2024.
Here are the bus specifications, which are available to view:
TfL's New Bus Vehicle Specifications Version 2.5
TfGM’s Bee Network New Bus Specification
TfGM’s Bee Network Brand Guidance for Bus
Firstly, we will take a look at the interior design to compare the specification differences for London and Greater Manchester. TfL allows bus operating companies to use their own interior colour scheme as long as it meets the latest bus specification requirement, which includes wood-effect flooring, etc.
Comparison of the bus interior requirements from: • Transport for London's New Bus Vehicle Specification Version 2.5 • New Routemaster build specification • Transport for Greater Manchester's (Bee Network) New and Used Bus Specifications and Brand Guidance🐝
— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) August 14, 2024 at 12:31 AM
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The section from TfL's Bus Vehicle Standards specifies that handrails and stanchions must comply with UNECE Regulation 107 and PSVAR2000. Bus operating companies have the choice of selecting the colour of the handrails.
4.5.3 Handrail/stanchion construction and installation
All handrails and stanchions shall be constructed such that they meet UNECE Regulation 107 and PSVAR2000 and form a smooth tube of between 30 mm and 35 mm in diameter and finished in powder coating or nylon dipped (both with a matt crackle finish). Handrails and Stanchions should be coloured, yellow (RAL 1028), green (RAL 6018) or orange (RAL 2028). Any alternative colours will require the prior approval of the Nominated Officer.
Transport for Greater Manchester requires the contracted bus operating companies to conform to their Bee Network branding for the interiors for their new and existing buses, with exceptions for older buses.
TfGM’s Bee Network Brand Guidance for Bus
Interior specification
Colours
The interior colour palette needs to work effectively with the exterior strong accent colour of yellow which will be highly visible on the exterior of the vehicle.
Accessibility
Options for the full spec of interior colourways have been carefully considered with brand integration and accessibility being the key considerations. Accessibility as one of our key brand pillars is always an integral part of our decision-making process and has absolutely been at the forefront of making this decision as with the wider bus interior design.
A neutral colour palette for the interior is the best option, using yellow to highlight particular features for accessibility such as handrails, seat handles and edges of steps.
Integration
Integration with current modes is also an important consideration in that the Bee Network brand identity for bus needs to work to make our whole network integrated, which means colourways that connect to each other across modes gives customers consistency when moving from one mode to the next, cementing brand identity. The current Metrolink tram interior colours have been in use since 2008 with great success, these were also carefully considered at the time and have proven to have no accessibility issues for customers therefore we have adopted a similar colour palette to Metrolink using varying shades of grey.
New vehicles
The full interior spec will apply to all new vehicles.
Used vehicles
Three elements of the interior spec should be applied to used vehicles. These elements being
• the flooring to anti-slip;
• the saloon seat moquette design;
• and all the interior labels. The floor and seating changes are subject to compliance with accessibility standards for colour contrast. This means that other items including handles and grab rails will need changing to the Bee Networks specs. Exceptions
The full and enhanced livery specs do not apply to vehicles of the following ages at the Commencement date:
• 13 years old and over for single and double deck vehicles
• 10 years old and over for Midi-Buses
• 7 years old and over for minibuses.
TfGM’s Bee Network New Bus Specification
2.11 Handrails
Each new Vehicle which is to be used for the provision of the Passenger Services during
the Contract Period shall comply with the following requirements:
2.11.1 all handrails and stanchions shall be in a colour that is consistent with the "Bee Network" brand, to be specified by TfGM (and which must meet the requirements of the PSVAR).
2.11.2 exposed butt ends to handrails are not acceptable anywhere on the Vehicle. End of rails should be in a closed position or curved to provide a safe introduction to the rail;
2.11.3 all bell push buttons shall be in a single colour (which must meet the requirements of the PSVAR) with contrasting surrounds;
2.11.4 bell pushes at priority seating areas must be positioned such that they are within easy reach, and passengers can remain seated while operating them;
2.11.5 all bell pushes are required to be marked in braille with the braille symbol for the letter ‘S’ and the word ‘STOP’ in white;
2.11.6 horizontal rails above wheelchair and/or standing areas shall be fitted with flexible hanging grab hand holds;
2.11.7 all handrails should be free of rattles; and
2.11.8 the design and positioning of the vertical stanchion pole around the wheelchair area shall ensure that the wheelchair manoeuvrability space is optimised for access and egress.
In comparison with the New Routemaster bus
New Bus for London design supply and maintenance contract
18.03 Internal colours & trims
Colours & trims to blend with overall styling and to be unique to this Vehicle.
No Vehicle Operator options or customisation will be allowed.
The final design for the proposed internal colours and trims will be submitted in accordance with Schedule 2.
NRM Specification
Section 9 Interior Finish
9.21 Handpoles
Handpoles shall be manufactured from 35mm diameter, smooth mild steel, and coated with a non slip finish. Handpoles supplied as per drawing CUS-02351 to meet all legal requirements
The specification during refurbishment of the NRMs.
New Routemaster Aesthetic Mid-Life Refurbishment (linked on the embedded post below)
NRM Midterm Refurbishment Specification
5. Hand poles and Rails
5.1. Recoat high usage poles on the lower deck and stairs on every bus (there could possibly be some small colour variations) with the same bespoke gold colour.
5.2. Colour Reference: Polyurethane Matt Crackle – L X 16179 / NCS 4030 Y 20R
#TfL Freedom of Information release:
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) October 7, 2022
Documents for the refurbishment of the New Routemaster fleethttps://t.co/uw09dtldbd pic.twitter.com/O7RMUlNrrJ
TfL's seating demarcation requirements for moquette fabrics include using the same pattern for standard and priority seats, different colourways for priority, and incorporating uncut looped weave for durability. Priority seats must have a "This is a priority seat" badge.
TfL's New Bus Vehicle Specifications
7.1.2 Seating Demarcation
For Moquette fabrics:
• Both the standard and priority seats must use the same pattern design.
• The priority moquette must use a different colorway to achieve a consistent demarcation with the standard moquette.
• Moquette's colourway must use mid/dark tone colours which respond well to wear and tear over time.
• Designs should be considered in the context of other colours used on the vehicle
• Woven moquettes must incorporate a proportion of uncut looped weave as well as cut weave which physically breaks up the surface to improve wear and tear.
• Both the standard and priority designs are required to contrast against the hand poles. Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of the handpole's colour must be considered as the reference value against all moquette colourways.
• The compliant contrast value of the moquette must be 30 points different against the handpole's LRV number according to Figure 7_2, below.
• The priority seat must include a badge with the wording ‘This is a priority seat’ as defined in Figure 7_1, below.
• Priority badge contrasting colours must be contained within the moquette colourway, alternatively, infill colour must be Pantone 2935 C, as in Figure 7_ 1, below.
In comparison to the New Routemaster Specification.
9.19 Seating
Seating supplied to layout CUS-02351. Seating to meet all legally required dimensions. Meets Crib 7
Make: Rowan Telmac
Model: NBfL
Moquette: Camira NBfL
Frame Colour: Metallic Black
Back Rest Colour: Dark grey
TfGM requires new buses to have lightweight high-back seats with integrated headrests, a closed-back design for security, double-padded seats for comfort, and moquette covers in Bee Network branding, including priority seating.
TfGM’s Bee Network New Bus Specification
2.4 Seating
The seating arrangements of Vehicles must comply with the following requirements:
2.4.1 seats shall be light weight high back with integrated headrest and grab handles;
2.4.2 seating shall be of a closed back design to restrict the potential of pickpockets to operate whilst utilising the seating immediately rearward;
2.4.3 seats shall be equipped with securely fixed, replaceable seat and back pads, which shall be double padded to provide a good quality of comfort and support for passengers;
2.4.4 any seat backs and pads that are moulded into body panels must provide equivalent levels of comfort to that provided by the main saloon seating;
2.4.5 seat covering shall be moquette in a single colour which is consistent with the "Bee Network" brand, to be specified by TfGM;
2.4.6 a minimum of 4 priority seats shall be provided and must be clearly identified with the appropriate signage; and
2.4.7 priority seating on the low floor area shall maximise under-seat space as much as possible, for use by guide or assistance dogs.
Comparison of the general dimensions, capacities, and number of doors from: • Transport for London's New Bus Vehicle Specification Version 2.5 • New Routemaster build specification • Transport for Greater Manchester's (Bee Network) New and Used Bus Specifications 🐝
— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) October 18, 2024 at 11:57 PM
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TfL's bus specifications focus on minimising dwell time, with London buses typically having two doors positioned strategically for efficiency. Centre and rear doors must be outward slider type with full-depth glass.
TfL's New Bus Vehicle Specifications
6.3 Minimising dwell time
The choice of the number of doors fitted to a bus shall be informed by an analysis of the effect of dwell time at typical bus stops on the route intended for.
London Buses generally operate a two door system with the entrance door forward of the front axle and the exit door between front and rear axle. When single or three door buses are requested, the front door remains unchanged, the centre door is deleted or duplicated at a specified area of the bus.
4.5.7.4 Centre and rear doors
Centre or rear doors to be outward slider type, flush fitting to the body side when closed and one-piece full depth glass in each door leaf for maximum view of kerb side.
In comparison with the NRM specification, which has three-doors and two-staircases.
Section 8 Passenger Boarding
The vehicle shall be equipped with three areas for entering and exiting. The vehicle has been configured such that it can operate in one of two modes; either as a three door vehicle where all three doors are under the control of the driver.
As for Greater Manchester, unfortunately they require new and used buses to have single doors, which does not reduce dwell times at bus stops.
TfGM’s Bee Network New Bus Specification
2.3 Doors
All Vehicles must operate a single door system which complies with the following requirements:
2.3.1 an equal width two door leaf closure shall be utilised;
2.3.2 the system shall be inward glider type, flush fitting to the body side when closed and one-piece full depth glass in each door leaf for maximum Driver view of kerb side;
2.3.3 header panels must provide adequate prevention against finger ingress to the door operation mechanism;
2.3.4 door partition handrails positioned to assist boarding and alighting must be fitted, excluding emergency exits;
2.3.5 the emergency door controls fitted to the door must be disabled automatically by way of an interlock when the Vehicle is travelling at speeds above 5kph; and
2.3.6 more than one entry/exit door system shall not be acceptable.
Wheelchair spaces
The Mayor of London answers a question about wheelchair area length, which is no more than 2 metres for buses in London, which is part of the New Bus Vehicle Specification version 2.5, in comparison with the New Routemaster and Bee Network bus specs. pic.twitter.com/GQzVy0IYX8
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) August 6, 2024
TfL's new bus vehicle specifications require all buses to accommodate wheelchairs with a designated area of 2 metres located on the off side.
TfL's New Bus Vehicle Specifications
7.3 Wheelchairs
All buses must make provision to carry a wheelchair and its occupant. Buses shall be designed such that wheelchair access is via the door positioned mid wheelbase on two or more door buses or via the front door on single door buses.
Wheelchair Area Dimensions and Appearance
Objective wheelchair area length shall be ≥2000 mm unless agreed otherwise by the Nominated Officer. The wheelchair area shall be located on the off side:
• Opposite the wheelchair entrance / exit door (two or more door buses.)
• Immediately rearward of the driver’s cab and wheel box (where appropriate) (Single door buses).
The wheelchair interior manoeuvring area and the ramp deployment area must be monitored by CCTV and displayed on the driver’s cab monitor when doors are open. The wheelchair area shall provide alternative buggy space and standing area when not in use by a wheelchair user. Suitable hand rails and leaning rails must be provided for this purpose.
A wheelchair logo shall be incorporated into the floor covering, readable by a person facing the off side of the vehicle. The logo shall display the rearward facing position of the wheelchair. The full wheelchair area shall be coloured blue (as close as possible to the blue used on the wheelchair notice, PMS 300) and the wheelchair logo shall be coloured white. The wheelchair logo must comply in size and appearance to that shown in Attachment 7. The designated wheelchair area must be shown on the respective OEM’s bus layout drawings as approved by TfL and uploaded to the TfL BVS Database.
The main floor covering surrounding the wheelchair area may be coloured at the discretion of the operator but must offer substantial colour contrast compared with the full wheelchair area.
TfGM’s specification for the Bee Network requires an additional wheelchair space; when not in use, it can be used for pushchairs and standing.
TfGM’s Bee Network New Bus Specification
2.6.2 Wheelchair bay requirements:
2.6.2.1 wheelchair bays shall provide alternative pushchair space and standing area when not in use for wheelchair location, and suitable handrails and leaning rails must be provided for this purpose; and
2.6.2.2 an additional flexible space shall be provided for a second wheelchair user or passengers with a pushchair, and suitable handrails and leaning rails must be provided for this purpose.
High-spec features
Comparison of high-spec features, including USB charging points, wood effect flooring, etc., from: • Transport for London's New Bus Vehicle Specification v2.5 • New Routemaster build specification • Transport for Greater Manchester's (Bee Network) New and Used Bus Specifications 🐝
— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) October 19, 2024 at 1:37 PM
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TfL is developing new bus vehicle specifications, including high back seats, staircase nosing lighting, skylight roof, USB charging points, wood-effect flooring, and onboard next stop signs. These high-spec features were used on the Enviro400EV City by BYD and Alexander Dennis and were first launched on London Buses route 63 during the winter of 2021/22.
TfL's New Bus Vehicle Specifications
Staircase Nosing Lighting
[Lighting under Staircase Nosing — specification to be provided in next BVS update]
The ‘Lighting under Staircase Nosing’ specification is currently under development by TfL. At this time system suppliers and OEMs are encouraged to engage with TfL for installation requirements and implementation dates.
4.5.2.1 High Back Seats
[High Back Seats — specification to be provided in next BVS update]
The ‘High Back Seats’ specification is currently under development by TTL. At this time system suppliers and OEMs are encouraged to engage with TfL for installation requirements and implementation dates.
4.5.6.1 Flooring Appearance
Alternative customer-friendly flooring designs and colour schemes (e.g. wood-effect flooring) should be considered for installation. In order to maintain consistent quality and accessibility standards across the fleet, all proposed designs must be presented as palit of/within GA Drawings to LBSL for approval prior to fitment and implementation.
8.2.1.1 Skylight Roof
[Skylight Roof – specification to be provided in next BVS update]
The ‘Skylight Roof’ specification is currently under development by TfL. At this time system suppliers and OEMs are encouraged to engage with TfL for installation requirements and implementation dates.
8.2.2 On Board Next Stop Signs (OBNSS) and Information Displays
As part of the iBus system, illuminated display signs providing passengers with information on the next stop will be provided (on both decks where applicable).
These shall:
• PSVAR2023 came into force on 1st October 2023, regulating quantity, quality and accessibility of On-Board information systems.
o All new vehicle deliveries from June 2024 shall comply with this requirement.
o NOTE: In order to maintain consistent quality and accessibility
standards across the fleet, all proposed information screen design and location drawings must be presented as part of/within GA Drawings to LBSL for approval prior to fitment and implementation
• Be suitably positioned for maximum visibility to passengers.
• Provide suitable mouldings and fixings for the LBSL provided iBus signs.
Duplication of this iBus signage is not permitted unless with LBSL’s prior written consent.
Operators should incorporate costs for the initial purchase, data and maintenance costs when submitting tenders.
[More detailed hardware, content and design specification will be provided in next BVS update]
8.4.1 General Seating Requirement
Operators should provide generous seat pitches throughout the bus to permit ease of movement and local stowage of hand luggage. Particular attention to generous spacing should be given to the seats in the upper saloon on double-deck buses. General arrangement drawings and capacities shall be agreed with LBSL by the OEM as part of General Assembly drawings uploaded to the TfL BVS Database. and should not be adjusted without prior approval from LBSL.
[High Back Seats – specification to be provided in next BVS update]
The ‘High Back Seats’ specification is currently under development by TfL. At this time system suppliers and OEMs are encouraged to engage with TfL for installation requirements and implementation dates.
9.1 Flooring Appearance
Alternative customer-friendly flooring designs and colour schemes (e.g. wood-effect flooring) should be considered for installation. In order to maintain consistent quality and accessibility standards across the fleet, all proposed designs must be presented as part of/within GA Drawings to LBSL for approval prior to fitment and implementation.
Further information about flooring requirements are detailed in Section 4.5.6 Flooring and Slip Prevention, of this document.
TfGM requires new buses to include premium enhancements like wireless charging, leather seats, high-backed seating, a controlled air system, and USB charging ports.
TfGM’s Bee Network New Bus Specification
2.26 Premium Enhancements
Where required by TfGM and subject to the provisions of the Change Procedure, the following enhancements shall be applied to new Vehicles to be used for the provision of the Passenger Services during the Contract Period:
2.26.1 2 tables in the upper saloon with inward facing seats to include wireless charging capability and charging ports;
2.26.2 E-leather/leather seat covering;
2.26.3 coach style seating on the upper saloon;
2.26.4 automatically controlled air heating and chilling system;
2.26.5 seat back console combining phone holder, wireless phone charging, USB charging port and wireless bell push;
2.26.6 under seat and gangway downlighting; and
2.26.7 interior coving panel ambient down lighting.
Bus route destination display
Bus operating companies for TfL's contracted routes must use destination and route displays with TfL's New Johnston condensed font in white on black background. "Digital Bus Blinds" specification is still in progress for BVS version 2.6.
TfL's New Bus Vehicle Specifications
10 Route and destination board, signs and notices, livery, advertising etc
Destination and Route Number displays
All destination displays shall use Transport for London’s New Johnston condensed font in white on a black background including out of service or any other passenger information.
10.1.1 Digital Bus Blinds
[Digital Bus Blinds – specification to be provided in next BVS update]
The ‘Digital Bus Blinds’ specification is currently under development by TfL. At this time system suppliers and OEMs are required to engage with TfL for installation requirements and implementation dates.
TfGM's Bee Network requires new buses to have white LED displays on the front, side, and rear with route selection units. Rear displays must show full-sized route information, with a minimum LED pitch of 10mm. Displays should integrate audio and visual announcements, be capable of showing specific characters and font sizes, and be consistent with the Bee Network brand.
TfGM’s Bee Network New Bus Specification
2.13 Route and Destination Display
All new Vehicles to be used for the provision of the Passenger Services shall comply with the following requirements:
2.13.1 white LED displays on the front, side and rear of the Vehicle shall be required, with a route selection unit in the Driver‘s cab which simultaneously controls the front, side and rear displays;
2.13.2 rear destination displays shall be ‘full size’ displaying route number and route text;
2.13.3 destination displays shall have a minimum LED pitch of 10mm and be of a lightweight construction;
2.13.4 destination displays shall be integrated with the audio and visual announcement system and associated equipment to provide additional passenger information, for example countdown to departure;
2.13.5 any destination display must be capable of displaying:
2.13.5.1 characters of not less than 125mm in height when fitted to the front of the Vehicle and not less than 70mm in height when fitted to the side of the Vehicle; and
2.13.5.2 route numbers of not less than 200mm in height on the front and rear of the Vehicle and not less than 70mm in height on the side of the Vehicle;
2.13.6 the Operator shall ensure that all displays are coordinated whilst a Vehicle is operating the Passenger Services, regardless of the equipment type used and:
2.13.6.1 all displays shall be in a font that is consistent with the "Bee Network" brand, to be specified by TfGM, where the equipment allows, including out of service or any other passenger information;
2.13.6.2 front, side and rear route display text and dimensions shall be in a font that is consistent with the “Bee Network” brand, to be specified by TfGM.
External Advertising
TfL's new bus vehicle specifications allow exterior advertising panels on the off side, near side, and rear, but there's no mention about the requirement or forbidding the use of the glazed staircase.
TfL's New Bus Vehicle Specifications
10.4 External Advertising
Exterior advertising panels are permitted in the following areas when bus width permits:-
• Off Side
• Near Side
• Rear
All advert panels must be framed with the frame in London Bus Red, except where specific LBSL authority has been given to support a particular activity. Any nonstandard, illuminated or special in any way advertising method or advertising display must be approved by LBSL prior to installation.
TfGM requires exterior advertising panels on buses with specific dimensions and forbids new double-decks to have staircase glazing as it would impede the installation of ‘T’-side advertising frames.
TfGM’s Bee Network New Bus Specification
2.22 External Advertising
2.22.1 The Operator shall procure and install exterior advertising panels in the following areas when the Vehicle width permits:
2.22.1.1 offside ‘T’-side;
2.22.1.2 near side; and
2.22.1.3 rear.
2.22.2 Advertising panel dimensions will be specified by TfGM based on individual Vehicle dimensions.
2.22.3 New Vehicles shall not have glazed staircase panelling on the offside of the Vehicle that would impede the installation of ‘T’-side advertising frames.
2.22.4 All advertising panels must be framed in a colour which is consistent with the "Bee Network" brand, to be specified by TfGM, except where prior written approval has been received from TfGM to support a particular activity.
2.22.5 Any advertising method or advertising display which is non-standard, illuminated or special in any other way must be approved by TfGM prior to installation.
There’s something missing from both of TfL’s and TfGM’s bus specifications, and that is the styling of the bus, which is mentioned in the New Routemaster specification.
2.01 Styling
The Vehicle shall have unique and iconic styling both externally and internally. There shall be an overall common styling theme that pervades all key features of the Vehicle.
The Contractor shall provide details of partnerships or engagements with specialist vehicle styling consultants, or state if none are being considered.
The final proposal for the essential "look and feel" of the Vehicle will be completed and approved in accordance with Schedule 2.
Over in Southampton, their vehicles have high-specification features to meet the Bus Service Improvement Plan aspirations, including London-style dual doors for quick loading, TOTO readers for contactless fares, USB charging points, WiFi, next-stop announcements, wheelchair access, CCTV security, and additional features like camera monitoring, a fire suppression system, and luggage racks. They have also included the glazed staircase, which is a feature used from the New Routemaster bus.
Connected Southampton - Transport Strategy 2040
Southampton Zero Emission Bus Region Area Proposal
3.5.12 High Specification Vehicles Leading to Reduced Operational Risks
The vehicles have a high vehicle specification to meet the aspirations of the Southampton BSIP to improve the transport network for the user and encourage more people to travel by bus.
• Double doors for easy and quick loading/unloading at bus stops as the UniLink services are high passenger volume particularly during university term times and this keeps dwell time at bus stops at a minimum enabling efficient bus operation;
• Have tap on-tap off (TOTO) readers for contactless capped fares which has been introduced in Southampton since autumn 2021;
• USB charging points at all seats, WiFi, next stop audio and visual announcements as standard to maintain high quality features already in place in Southampton; and
• Fully accessible with wheelchair ramp, audio loops, dementia friendly internal colour schemes and CCTV to make them accessible and secure.
Having a high specification from the start of operation reduces costs to retrofit TOTO, USB, and next stop announcements at a future date. The additional doors to aid quicker and efficient loading/unloading support an efficient bus operation. It has been chosen to go for high specification buses will continue to attract passengers to use buses enabling a greater modal shift increasing carbon savings of both zero emission vehicles and shift away from private vehicles. These additional features have increased the initial purchase cost but reduce need have further investment from GSC or others later.
By investing in high specification vehicles, this suggest that the risk of declining patronage is in this respect less for Southampton than for other proposals which do not propose to invest in such vehicles. This suggests that the contingency allowance for the Southampton proposal might be lowered relative to other submissions.
4.7.1 Bus Specification
The project is for 32 double deck double door all electric buses – the entire Unilink fleet – consisting of 14% of the Southampton fleet carrying 20% of the annual patronage. All other existing buses operated by Go South Coast (through Bluestar, QuayConnect & Salisbury Reds) in Southampton is Euro VI.
• Buses will be equipped with on board CCTV, Next Stop Announcement and Display, Buggy and Disabled area, dementia friendly internal colour schemes and USB chargers at all seats;
• Vehicles will meet the requirements of enhanced accessibility standards and be compliant with the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR) – (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2000/1970/contents/made) and incorporate equipment to identify the route, each upcoming stop, and the beginning and end of diversions as well as visibly, using at least one screen on any deck, with the lower deck screen visible from all priority seats. Information will also be made audibly, with announcements audible on any deck, including in the priority seats and wheelchair space. Buses will also include induction loops, in priority seats and the wheelchair space and provide an induction loop to aid direct communication between drivers and passengers who use a hearing aid.
• Buses will provide an additional flexible space in addition to the mandatory wheelchair space, suitable for a second wheelchair user and/or at least two unfolded pushchairs or prams.
Additional on bus features will also include:
• Camera Monitoring System,
• Branch deflectors,
• Fire suppression system,
• Livery as specified as set out in Marketing (section 4.9),
• Luggage racks,
• Staircase Glazing, and
• Ticket bin.
Why a new common bus specification?
As part of my suggestions for a new zero-emission double-deck bus, they should have enhanced accessibility features to make the bus fleet more accessible, such as two wheelchair spaces, three-doors and two-staircases.
Although all bus operating companies, including transport authorities, have to comply with accessibility regulations, which are the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 and Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023.
As the UK Government is increasing powers to local authorities to establish bus franchising, I have suggested in the government’s consultation that they need to come together for a common bus specification as it will help reduce their costs on creating their own new bus specification.
In addition, TfL has been at the forefront of improving bus safety standards, which the UK bus manufacturers have incorporated into buses throughout the UK and Ireland.
Usually buses with two and three doors (and two staircases for double-decks) are for bus routes in built-up areas where they are usually crowded, whereas the loading and unloading times on single-door buses take longer at bus stops. The infrastructure throughout the UK, such as bus stations, etc., still accommodates single-door buses, and it requires improvement for the use of dual-door or multiple-door buses; this can include bendy buses that are suitable for routes with larger roads and extensive bus priority measures, which provides an opportunity to convert them to tram lines.
My response to the Government's consultation on the proposed changes to bus franchising guidance. https://t.co/Hm7U0x8rpr pic.twitter.com/mqLOgdMY7v
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) October 6, 2024
As stated above, one of the important features missing is to require bus manufacturers to use iconic styling for the bodywork based on the New Routemaster or the Enviro400 City to make their zero-emission bus look more attractive and appealing to the street presence. Especially in the current age of social media where a tourist or a member of the public takes a photo and it shows a bus in the foreground or background, having a stylish design is one method of encouraging public transport travel as it is vital to reduce car usage and tackle climate change issues.
Taking a look at the current range of double-deck electric buses, some of them do need their bodywork designs tweaked, especially the new Zhongtong Bus N12D, which is a tri-axle double-deck electric bus, and it needs a more curved rear design similar to the New Routemaster to reduce the boxyness of the bus design. I have suggested the same in my previous article for the new Alexander Dennis’ Enviro400EV (new generation), although I have mentioned that they should have a three-door, two-staircase variant.
I’m not saying that all bus designs should be the same for each of the areas that is franchised, local authority-run, or enhanced partnership. Each of the areas, including the bus routes, should have their own unique design; this includes the interior design to suit the branding of the bus service or to make it accessible by making it dementia-friendly with suitable colour palettes.
I did mention Eink because this new technology will enable bus operating companies to change liveries without having to take the bus out of service for repainting and rebranding.
The reason for suggesting the improvements of bus design is because I have researched from TfL’s consultation reports and Freedom of Information requests, which reveal suggestions for more New Routemasters and tram-style buses such as the Irizar ie tram, and also research by TfL on their route 63 trial with high-spec features and old customer research about the New Routemaster bus.
As previously stated, I’m not advocating for the relaunch of the New Routemaster project, as some double-deck buses have already evolved to incorporate design features of the New Routemaster, such as the glazed staircase, which is seen in various cities throughout the UK and certain parts of the world, such as Hong Kong.
Conclusion
The creation of a common bus specification for London, Greater Manchester, and other franchised areas is essential for enhancing the efficiency, accessibility, and appeal of public transport. By reviewing existing specifications and identifying gaps, a unified framework that not only streamlines operations and reduces costs for local authorities but also prioritises passenger comfort and safety. Incorporating features such as dual-door and triple-door designs, iconic styling, and modern amenities will make buses more attractive to users, encouraging greater public transport usage.
Ultimately, a common specification will contribute to a more sustainable and user-friendly transport system, helping to reduce car dependency and address climate change challenges.
Here’s more of my suggestions to help improve public transport for London and beyond:
Why is Creativity in Public Transport Important, Including Bus Route Planning and Branding?
My Suggestions To Help Create The Most Accessible Zero-Emission Bus For London And Elsewhere!
Suggestion: I Believe It’s Time for a New Regional Transport Body for the South East of England?
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