London's Greatest Symbols Makes A Comeback

Long decline of London's bus service -- recognized by the red double-deck bus -- ended about 10 years ago and has been replaced by rapid growth.

1 minute read

December 9, 2003, 1:00 PM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"Anybody seen in a bus over the age of 30 has been a failure in life. These words are certainly rather discouraging for people such as myself, who will not see 30 again and who often travel by bus. the bus is the most delightful way to get about London. This long decline ended about 10 years ago and has been replaced by rapid growth. The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, is perfectly within his rights to spend heavily on buses. The more difficult challenge is to get the middle classes to use buses because doing so has actually become more pleasant and convenient than going by car. I realise substantial numbers of people will never consider themselves truly free unless they are sitting at the wheel of a motor car, even if that car is stuck in a traffic jam. But even these diehard motorists, many of whom also feel a snobbish disdain for the humble bus, ought to understand that their chances of an enjoyable drive are much higher, in any densely populated area, if substantial numbers of us choose instead to defy the duchess and catch the bus."

Thanks to Richard Layman

Saturday, December 6, 2003 in The Daily Telegraph

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A rendering of the Beltline light rail, which goes through a forested area. People walk on a path next to it.

Atlanta City Council unanimously backs $3.5 billion Beltline light rail project

The resolution was drafted after Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens pulled support for the Atlanta Streetcar extension last year.

September 24 - Construction Review

A person boards a SEPTA bus.

SEPTA to bring nearby frequent transit to over 1 million new riders as part of decade-long plan

The agency's Accelerate plan will also bring frequent transit to twice the amount of jobs that are currently located near it.

September 24 - Mass Transit

Five people squat by a tree in NYC, helping to care for it.

NYC plants over 18,000 trees, the most new foliage in a decade

Many of the trees were planted in communities vulnerable to extreme heat.

September 24 - AM NY

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Senior Planner

City of Thousand Oaks

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design