Double-decker buses make their way over Westminster Bridge in London in March. The iconic buses have been a wedge issue between the city's top contenders for mayor, incumbent Mayor Boris Johnson, the Conservative Party candidate, and Labour candidate Ken Livingstone, a former mayor. Both men have devoted their energies to transport -- and attacking each other on the issue.
Double-decker drama —
Double-decker buses make their way over Westminster Bridge in London in March. The iconic buses have been a wedge issue between the city's top contenders for mayor, incumbent Mayor Boris Johnson, the Conservative Party candidate, and Labour candidate Ken Livingstone, a former mayor. Both men have devoted their energies to transport -- and attacking each other on the issue.
AFP/Getty Images
Mayoral candidates Ken Livingstone, left, and Boris Johnson look on as they attend a media event in April in London. Livingstone has pledged to cancel orders for more Routemaster double-deckers if Londoners vote him back into power, although he will allow the current eight buses to remain in service. Johnson, the incumbent, has pledged to put more of the double-deckers on the streets.
Double-decker drama —
Mayoral candidates Ken Livingstone, left, and Boris Johnson look on as they attend a media event in April in London. Livingstone has pledged to cancel orders for more Routemaster double-deckers if Londoners vote him back into power, although he will allow the current eight buses to remain in service. Johnson, the incumbent, has pledged to put more of the double-deckers on the streets.
AFP/Getty Images
Then-Mayor Ken Livingstone is seen with a newly refurbished Routemaster bus in November 2005 in London. One of his first -- and most unpopular -- acts was to scrap the much-loved but decrepit fleet of Routemaster buses, dating from the 1950s.
Double-decker drama —
Then-Mayor Ken Livingstone is seen with a newly refurbished Routemaster bus in November 2005 in London. One of his first -- and most unpopular -- acts was to scrap the much-loved but decrepit fleet of Routemaster buses, dating from the 1950s.
AFP/Getty Images
A classic Routemaster double-decker bus travels a route in Westminster in March.
Double-decker drama —
A classic Routemaster double-decker bus travels a route in Westminster in March.
AFP/Getty Images
A "bendy bus" travels a route in North London in 2006. Livingstone introduced the "bendy buses," snake-like Mercedes vehicles that terrified road-users in London's narrow streets. He also upgraded underground trains and brought in a congestion tax on motorists entering central London.
Double-decker drama —
A "bendy bus" travels a route in North London in 2006. Livingstone introduced the "bendy buses," snake-like Mercedes vehicles that terrified road-users in London's narrow streets. He also upgraded underground trains and brought in a congestion tax on motorists entering central London.
Getty Images
London Mayor Boris Johnson travels on a new prototype double-decker bus near Trafalgar Square in December 2011. Among Johnson's pledges was to scrap the "bendy buses" and replace them with British-built Routemasters, which appeared on the streets this year.
Double-decker drama —
London Mayor Boris Johnson travels on a new prototype double-decker bus near Trafalgar Square in December 2011. Among Johnson's pledges was to scrap the "bendy buses" and replace them with British-built Routemasters, which appeared on the streets this year.
A double-decker Routemaster bus makes its way along a London street in 2004.
Double-decker drama —
A double-decker Routemaster bus makes its way along a London street in 2004.
Getty Images
A hydrogen-powered bus is refuelled at a depot in London in 2004.
Double-decker drama —
A hydrogen-powered bus is refuelled at a depot in London in 2004.
Boris Johnson waves the Olympic flag during the closing ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. In 2005, then-Mayor Ken Livingstone was instrumental in helping to win the 2012 Summer Olympics for London, and both candidates have claimed credit for the regeneration of East London near the Olympic site.
Double-decker drama —
Boris Johnson waves the Olympic flag during the closing ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. In 2005, then-Mayor Ken Livingstone was instrumental in helping to win the 2012 Summer Olympics for London, and both candidates have claimed credit for the regeneration of East London near the Olympic site.
Getty Images
Boris Johnson poses with artists' depictions of the design for London's new Routemaster bus in May 2010. The buses are stylish -- echoing the design of the tourists' favorites -- but expensive: The first eight buses cost more than $18 million, although future buses will be $500,000 each.
Double-decker drama —
Boris Johnson poses with artists' depictions of the design for London's new Routemaster bus in May 2010. The buses are stylish -- echoing the design of the tourists' favorites -- but expensive: The first eight buses cost more than $18 million, although future buses will be $500,000 each.