Arriva trials world's first double decker hybrid bus

Arriva has joined forces with Transport for London totrial the world's first double decker hybrid bus.

The groundbreaking bus will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 30per cent, by using a combination of an electric engine and smalldiesel engine, which keeps the battery pack charged. Also when thevehicle brakes, energy which would normally be wasted is alsorecycled and used to charge the battery.

Mark Yexley, Managing Director, Arriva London, said:

Buses play a vital role in encouraging people to usepublic transport more often. By introducing moreenvironmentally-friendly means of public transport, we're helpingin the battle to reduce carbon emissions across the UK. Thishybrid engine initiative is excellent and its potential is immense.We're delighted to be part of it.

The hybrid bus will operate on Route 141, run by Arriva, fromPalmers Green, Wood Green, Turnpike Lane Station, Haringey, ManorHouse, Newington Green, Mildmay Park, Hoxton, Old Street Station,Moorgate, Bank Monument and to London Bridge Station.

A leaf motif on the buses will help passengers recognise itsenvironmentally-friendly status.

This inaugural service comes after the Mayor of London, KenLivingstone recently announced plans for an increased hybrid busfleet for the capital.

Ken Livingstone said:

This world first further marks London as leading theway forward in cleaner technologies for public transport. Hybridvehicles can make a real contribution to a cleaner, greenertransport network for the capital. Again, we call on busmanufacturers and operators to rise to this challenge to makehybrid buses economically and financially feasible.