"Colin McKenzie" wrote in message
...
d wrote:
You fit many, many more people standing than sitting. Hence it actually
is a more efficient use of fuel.

If it's full.

I don't believe even a crush-loaded bendibus carries as many as 144
people - so the weight per passenger is always more than that of a RM. And
in stop-start driving weight is the major factor in fuel consumption.

The "if it's full" argument equally applies to any bus, routemasters
included. As for 144 people? Close - they carry 140 people when full. Not
to mention they're more fuel-efficient (due to their modern engines), have
better acceleration, are much quieter, and have better heating when it's
cold. Plus, due to their many doors, people can get on/off quicker than the
usual melees that happen when trying to wrestle yourself on a crowded
routemaster. True, it's still not perfect, but far more acceptable. And
pushchairs can be used on them without having to be folded up. And
wheelchairs. And people on crutches can use them without being flung out
the back.

Colin McKenzie