Route 24 has an unusual distinction. It was the first to run the New Bus for London (NBfL), with 32 of the £354,000 diesel-electric hybrid double-deckers plying between Hampstead Heath and Pimlico. Transport for London (TfL) has since ordered 600 for delivery by 2016 at a total cost of £213m. What TfL describes as the New Routemaster, but is usually referred to as the Borismaster (because of London mayor Boris Johnson's influence), received a mixed reception. Some applauded its looks - though stopping short of Johnson's claim of "sinuous beauty and graceful motion" - but others voiced criticisms.
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