No more Big Smoke: All London buses will be hybrid by 2012
Last updated 6/12/2009 3:05:52 PM
Hybrid buses hit the road this year
Transport for London (TfL) will have 56 hybrid buses operating by the end of January 2009, establishing London as the home of the largest fleet of hybrid buses in the UK.
TfL expects all new buses joining the fleet will be hybrid by 2012.
The range of new, single and double deck, eco-friendly hybrid buses for London today is an introduction to the first stage in a major expansion of the Capital's hybrid bus fleet.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson is urging all Londoners to look out for their leafy livery on the city's streets and jump on board.
He said, “A wonderful alliance of fuel efficiency and fume deficiency make hybrid engines the way to go for buses in our city.”
”Londoners that travel on buses with the green leaf livery can rest comfortably in their seats and enjoy clear environmental consciences, safe in the knowledge that their journey will guzzle far less fuel and expire a whopping -40% less carbon dioxide than a regular bus.”
At a rate of 500 buses a year, it is expected to be the largest roll out of hybrid buses in Europe. Their roll out will contribute to the Mayor's target of a -60% reduction in emissions across London by 2025.
Londoners will notice that the hybrid buses that are significantly quieter than diesel buses, making their bus journey more pleasant and reducing noise for local residents along bus routes.
Hybrid buses are cleaner and greener than their diesel counterparts.
The combination of a conventional engine and an electric motor uses less fuel and is better for air quality as they emit fewer pollutants and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40%.
All of London's hybrid buses can be recognised by the green leaf motif over their traditional red livery.