I shed no tears for the old "Routemasters" , they have poor visibility and an equally bad turning circle.
I've had many a close call with one when trying to negotiate my articulated truck around them!
The bendys are far more manouverable, it seems, however, I do know the standard of training the "bendy" drivers get is superb, and it has to be thus with Londons mad road layout.
As for fires, they should have chosen Scania's as a chassis, I'd rather walk than take a Merc. :-*
I'll drink to their demise and eagerly look forward to that by-pass for Stone Henge :D, I hate the A303 at the best of times, bloody stone hugging tourists just clog up an already inadequate road.
:P

Posting drivel here since Jan 31st, 2002. - That long!
"He who laughs last, thinks slowest."