In message , Chris Read
writes


Any other fans of Mr Wharmby's www.londonbuspage.com here?
Yes, I used to read it a lot. I didn't always agree with his "take" on
things and certainly wasn't as passionate about the RM (although I still
lament their passing in regular service) but it's a good site, done with
a lot of effort.

You may recall that one of the consequencies of the withdrawal of the
Routemaster predicted by our Matt was a decline in the tourist trade.

I opened up my Daily Torygraph this morning to find a story about how
tourist numbers in the UK have fallen by 2% - one of only four countries in
Europe to suffer a decline.
Well, I wouldn't say that the withdrawal of the RMs have actually caused
that! For many visitors who enjoy a "London experience" the top of an
"ordinary" double decker is novel enough. And some of us regulars here
might be a bit nonplussed by how many people can't tell the difference
between a Routemaster and any other front entrance OPO double decker
(yes really!). However, I do make a point of encouraging any of my
clients with free time to take a ride on the heritage routes. Not only
is the experience of having a conductors still a bit "special" but I
like to think it's the Jelf Tourism Empire's little contribution to
making these routes successful. Speaking now without my tongue in my
cheek, it's actually a good feeling that I can make a little
contribution to their continued success. A **very** little
contribution!

And the picture chosen to illustrate the article?

The final Routemaster 159 crossing Westminster Bridge.
That was obviously what the picture sub-editors still had at the top of
his or her "London Tourist Landmarks" folder!
--
Ian Jelf, MITG
Birmingham, UK

Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England
http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk