The Routemaster bus design competition that TfL launched earlier in the year has long closed, and the winner is set to be announced next month, but the slow drip-feed of some of the more luscious entries continues. Having gawped at Foster + Partner's curvaceous model and grinned at H4's happy-looking effort, another competition entry from our German friends at design firm e21 has been unveiled.
The bus, which can be viewed here, features a rakishly titled front, like a City gent ambling to work, and a sleek grille that looks like it was pinched from a Bentley. The lower deck features space for seven wheelchairs via a ramp that automatically adjusts to kerb height, and a safety barrier that can be used in case of overcrowding. Upstairs, the designers have included a glass roof, with panels that can be opened or even replaced by energy-generating solar panels to power the electric motor. The bus also features side parts that can spring back into shape following a collision - sounds a little like the T-1000. Perhaps John Connor could be employed as a conductor.
Image of old-school Routemaster by -Lu¡s- via the Londonist Flickrpool