Welcome back! Remodelled Routemaster hits the streets of London

The iconic double-decker hop-on, hop off Routemaster buses hit the capital's streets on Monday - six years after they were withdrawn.

The eight buses will operate along route 38 which runs between Hackney, East London, and Victoria station – one of the city's busiest routes.

The total cost of building the buses was £11.7million - £1.4million each - this compares with a cost of £190,000 for a regular double-decker bus.

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As well as a hop-on, hop-off open platform at its rear, the new 62-seater Routemaster comes with a conductor in addition to the driver.

London Mayor Boris Johnson first announced he wanted the buses built in his 2008 manifesto.

Other modern features include LED lighting and new seating design.

Transport for London (TFL) said the buses incorporate the most innovative and cutting-edge hybrid technology and will be the most environmentally-friendly bus of its kind.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, described it as a ‘stunning piece of automotive architecture’.

He said. “It’s not just a pretty face.  The green innards of this red bus mean that it is twice as fuel efficient as a diesel bus and the most environment-friendly of its kind.  When ordered in greater numbers it will make a significant economic contribution to the manufacturing industries, while also helping deliver a cleaner, greener and more pleasant city.”

Following today's launch seven more of the buses are expected to be operational by the summer, in time for the influx of tourists for the London Olympics.

[Related link: Yahoo! Travel: Visit London]

TFL Commissioner Peter Hendy said: “It is a phenomenal achievement to get a bus of this calibre from the drawing board to the streets of London in just two years and my congratulations goes to all who have worked tirelessly to make this happen. 

“This bus has been designed from the wheels up with the complex needs of Londoners in mind; it truly is a 21st century bus.  It’s stylish and comfortable, and will ensure a smooth ride for all on board as well as an eye catching spectacle for those who will see it glide through the streets of London.”