What is red but green, open but closed and old but new? The answer is: London’s new double-decker(双层)buses. Red double-deckers are a symbol of the city. Their status was sealed (确定) in 2008 when one bus made the longer-than-usual trip to Beijing to collect a special passenger: the Olympic Flame. On November 11, a life-size model of the new bus was shown to the media. The Guardian reported that the new design shares some of the features of the much-missed double-decker Routemaster bus. The original Routemaster was introduced in 1956 but December 2005 saw the end of the old bus’s general service. It was because the bus was difficult for some passengers to use and not environmentally friendly. But it can still be seen on two heritage routes in the city. Its replacements —boxy, modern double—deckers—have failed to win Londoners’ affection. London mayor Boris Johnson told the BBC that the new buses were “a combination of nostalgia(怀旧)and the latest technology”. “Standing on the back platform of this bus brings a sense of nostalgia but also shows the best part of the latest technology and design, making this bus fit for the 21st Century,” he said. The new bus also returns to the driver—and—conductor model—a key feature of the original version. It will be quieter than the old type and have a platform offering passengers the traditional hop—on hop—off service. The first five new buses will be seen on the roads by early 2012. 小题1:Which of the following shows that red double—deckers are a symbol of London?
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