ROUTEMASTER BUSES

That this House expresses concern at the decision of Transport for London to remove the Routemaster bus from its position as a full working part of the capital's transport network; notes the findings of a recent opinion poll showing that 90 per cent. of Londoners would like to see the Routemaster back in service and the evidence for the buses' energy-efficiency and the security provided by the presence of a conductor; further notes that the Mayor of London pledged to retain the service at the last Mayoral election; supports calls for a viable Child of Routemaster design which would allow better wheelchair access to be properly considered; and calls on the Government to make representations to the Mayor to ensure the future of the Routemaster is reconsidered.