The mock-up, built by Wrightbus and presented to the media this morning at the London Transport Museum’s depot at Acton, will be shown to “key stakeholders” and allow TfL seek views on layout and use of the bus.
A working prototype is expected to be delivered late next year with the first five buses scheduled to enter passenger service in early 2012. Introduction of a new bus for London was a key manifesto commitment by Mayor Johnson in 2008’s London elections.
Earlier this year the Mayor and Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy unveiled images showing the final design of the bus.
Speaking today the Mayor said “It is wonderful to see how those two-dimensional designs we unveiled in May have been forged into this amazing bus and I for one cannot wait to be launching the buses when they first enter passenger service in 2012.”
Mr Hendy said producing the mock-up was “a vital part of the development process and provides the opportunity for people to have a hands-on experience when sharing their views of the bus.”
TfL has applied to the Intellectual Property Office for Registered Design Protection of the vehicle’s exterior design, if granted this will give the capital exclusive rights over the new design.
