Transport for London
The Design category is intended for professional design companies and people with the technical skills to give us detailed design documents. The winning entries in this category may see their designs taken forward to major bus manufacturers.
If you feel that you don't have the skills needed to develop detailed designs, you may be interested in our Imagine category.
Classes
There are two classes within the design category:
- Whole-bus
- Element
In the whole-bus class we are looking for detailed designs and technical drawings of an entire bus concept.
In the element class, we are seeking detailed designs of a part or parts of a new bus. You may wish to design an access platform, a new seating arrangement that complements the open platform or a staircase.
All entries in the design category must meet the minimum design requirements, and comply with the vehicle specification guidelines and rules. Copies of these documents can be downloaded below.
Rules and Vehicle Specification Guidelines
There are some rules which apply for each class within the Design category. It is important that you take the time to read through these rules before submitting your entry.
Download the Design category rules (PDF 88KB)
Whole-bus class entries must include a number of key features:
- A double-decker bus with one or more internal staircases
- An open-access platform at the rear near-side corner (similar to that on the old Routemaster)
- It must have at least one other entrance or exit with double doors
- Allow for a second crew member
- It must be fully accessible and comply with the Vehicle Specification Guidelines
- It must be red!
A complete list of the requirements and further details can be found in the Vehicle Specification Guidelines (PDF 92KB).
In both classes, you must submit design materials (which could include drawings, visuals and layouts) to adequately explain your design to the judges. You should also include supporting documents containing your reasoning and justifications, as well as more detailed descriptions of the designs and features.
Prizes
The winning design in the whole-bus class will win £25,000. There will also be two runners-up prizes of £10,000 each.
Prizes worth up to £5,000 will be awarded to the winner or winners in the element class.
Read more about prizes in the design category.
How to enter
Are you ready to design a new bus? It's easy to enter but you must get your entries in by 12:00 noon British Summer Time (BST) on 19 September 2008.
Find out more about how to enter.
