<p><br /> Passengers will get a "greener, light and airy" service when new double-decker buses, based on the old driver-and-conductor Routemasters, start running in London in 2012, it has been revealed.<br /> </p><p><br /> The new buses will feature two doors as well as an open platform allowing passengers to hop on and off.<br /> </p><p><br /> The final design of the buses, being made by Northern Ireland manufacturer Wrightbus, were shown off by London Mayor Boris Johnson.<br /> </p><p><br /> The buses will be 15 per cent more fuel efficient than existing hybrid buses and 40 per cent more efficient than conventional diesel double-deckers.<br /> </p><p><br /> The first prototype will be delivered late next year, with the new buses entering service from early 2012.<br /> </p><p><br /> When he took office in 2008, Mr Johnson vowed to bring back a "greener" version of the Routemaster, which was first introduced in London in the mid-1950s.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Routemaster was withdrawn from regular service in December 2005, although some still run on a limited basis on two tourist routes in London where they complement the full-time service.<br /> </p>
