London Mayor Ken Livingstone has unveiled continental style bendy buses for two of the capital's busiest routes.

With better access and more capacity than the traditional double decker, it is hoped they will help ease rush hour congestion.

Passengers must buy tickets before boarding, allowing the vehicle minimum waiting time at stops.

The new bendy buses will run on Red Arrow routes 507 (Waterloo-Victoria) and 521 (Waterloo-London Bridge).

Ticket machines

At 18 metres long, the bendy and cashless bus services, are able to carry up to 140 people, at least 60 more than a double decker and 76 more than the vehicles currently serving the routes.

Mr Livingstone said: "These two new bendy bus services are just one of many bus improvements for London before congestion charging is introduced.

"Just like on the continent, all the doors can be used for getting on or off the bus, providing hassle-free, comfortable and reliable travel for everyone."

Wheelchair use

Ticket machines have been installed along the routes to allow passengers to pay before boarding the bus if they do not already have Travelcards or bus passes.

Inspectors will patrol the routes to tackle any fare evasion.

As with other London Bus services wheelchair users will be able to use the low-floor buses for free.

The vehicles will also have more room for buggies and shopping.