Sidelines

[Previous entry: "cyclist prosecution"] [Next entry: "a green bus"]

Did the London mayor's competition to design a new Routemaster London doubledeck bus have to have such a large prize (25,000 pounds)? The serious contenders, likely to be design agencies and the like, would have entered anyway given the prestige and publicity that will befall the winner. Such a prize will mean very little to them, whereas spread out among the little people entering the "Imagine" (non-serious contenders) category it could have bought a lot more happiness.

The size of the prize sends an odd message next to the big London projects no longer being progressed as of this week due to lack of funding. (Crossrail Tram and Docklands light-rail extension among them).