There are many ways in which a society differentiates itself. No matter where you travel in the world, you can instantly tell that things are different from home.

There's the people, the culture, the architecture, and, particularly if you’re a Londoner, the public transport. The UK's capital city is famed for its transport network, with the oldest underground train system, the scenic river boats, the ubiquitous black taxis and the iconic red buses (even the bendy buses caused quite a stir, particularly when they spontaneously burst into flames...).

But when you see how other cities do it, you suddenly realise that London has been left behind a bit when it comes to transport. After years of chronic underinvestment, parts of the system are struggling to cope, but thankfully the gradual decline is showing signs of slowing, no doubt helped by the transport infrastructure needed for the Olympics next year.

One such advancement is countdown.tfl.gov.uk a real time, online way to see when your next bus is due. Doesn't sound all that radical does it, but for anybody who uses the bus network in London, this is the difference between standing in a freezing cold queue while the heavens open and sitting comfortably in a cosy coffee shop enjoying a warming skinny latte and a quick flick through the evening paper.

Let's hope that, just like London buses themselves, there'll be another useful advancement along very soon.

If you have a website that you want to tell us about email us via the feedback form.