Red buses are going green! All new London’s buses will be hybrid from 2012 which will result in a quieter and cleaner city.
What is a hybrid bus?
Combining a conventional engine with an electric motor, hybrid buses are quieter, cleaner and more fuel efficient than diesel buses.
When the vehicle brakes, energy which would normally be wasted is recycled and used to charge the batteries. With continuous charging of the batteries, the vehicle gets more miles to the gallon and can go further than a conventional diesel bus.
When will hybrid buses hit the streets?
Hybrid buses are being rolled out across London, with over 300 in service during Autumn 2012 and 178 more on order. In addition the Mayor has committed to take delivery of 600 of the New Bus for London - a redesign of the city's famous red bus - eight of which were in service during 2012.
These feature the latest hybrid technology, and have drivers trained in fuel-efficient driving techniques, cutting emissions by half compared to a standard diesel bus. Combined, this means at least 1,000 hybrid buses will be on the capital's streets by 2016.
Other green bus innovations
Plans have been implemented for buses to be fitted with NOx (a mixture of Nitric Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide) reducing technology to meet air quality targets for Greater London by 2015. By 2016 nearly 1,000 buses on the capital’s streets will be fitted with equipment to cut NOx pollution.
A feasibility trial of two purely electric buses will begin on two routes in the summer of 2013 following agreement between TfL and Go-Ahead London. TfL is also engaged in initiatives to evaluate the benefits and effectiveness of wireless charging for purely electric and range-extended hybrid buses in London.
Find out more about Hybrid Buses (external website).