TfL Unveils New Hybrids for London Buses Fleet

2 December 2008

Transport for London (TfL) unveiled a range of new, single- and double-deck hybrid buses for London, the first stage in a major expansion of the its hybrid bus fleet.

By the end of January next year, the number of hybrid buses in the Capital fleet will more than quadruple to 56 buses—the largest fleet of hybrid buses in the UK. Twenty-five new hybrids will go into service this month; a further 18 hybrid buses will join the fleet early in 2009, with a further 300 hybrid buses to be in operation by 2011.

Both TfL and Mayor of London Boris Johnson are committed to the introduction of hybrid technology and by 2012, TfL expects all new buses joining the fleet will be hybrid. At a rate of 500 buses a year, it is expected to be the largest roll out of hybrid buses in Europe.

The bus industry has responded to that commitment and several major manufacturers have developed hybrid buses specifically for the London fleet.

Alexander Dennis, Volvo and Optare have now produced their first hybrid buses for London, while Wrightbus has produced a new double-deck hybrid, using different technology to that used in the 13 hybrids it already has operating in the London fleet.

The 8,000-strong London Buses fleet is the cleanest in the UK. Twenty-seven percent of the fleet meet Euro II standards and are fitted with particulate filters, 66% meet Euro III and are fitted with particulate filters. Seven percent meet the latest Euro standard of Euro IV.