London's Red Double-decker Buses Are Being Retired

As much an icon of London as Big Ben or Buckingham Palace, the red double-decker Routemaster buses that have served the city since the 1950s are being retired. The last RM (aside from a few that will remain active on "heritage" routes) tour will conclude on December 9th. Routemasters were designed specifically for London by engineers who had worked on World War II bombers and have been known for their aluminum frame, fuel efficiency and easy-to-repair components. While the buses have remained popular because of their classic appearance and ease of entry and departure while the bus is in motion, they are not wheelchair accessible, which makes them impractical for major city transportation.