Transport for London Greener era for London’s buses moves a step closer

The first of five zero-emission hydrogen hybrid fuel cell buses arrived at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire today where it will undergo thorough safety and performance checks before it hits the streets of London later this year.

The five hydrogen hybrid fuel cell buses will enter service at the end of the year on route RV1, travelling between Covent Garden and Tower Hill.

While at Millbrook the vehicle will undergo a rigorous testing and certification process to ensure it meets Transport for London’s (TfL) and Department for Transport’s requirements.

One of the cleanest bus fleets

TfL is committed to introducing less polluting transport choices to improve air quality and help tackle London’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Once in service the hydrogen hybrid fuel cell buses will produce no harmful emissions, only water vapour, and will join one of the cleanest bus fleets in the UK.

The buses will be delivered in partnership with Air Products, ISE Corp and Wright Bus.

The buses will be operated on behalf of London Buses by First Group.

Genuine long-term benefits

The new hydrogen buses will also be hybrid and will join the 56 diesel hybrid buses currently in service along with an additional 56 due to enter service later this year.

The Mayor has also committed to ensuring the New Bus for London will use the greenest hybrid technology available, when it enters service in 2012.

Mike Weston, Operations Director for London Buses, said: ‘London faces many environmental challenges but we believe alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, will bring genuine long-term benefits in tackling CO2 emissions.

‘The arrival of the first hydrogen hybrid fuel cell bus marks an exciting new chapter for London Buses as we embrace new technologies to further build on the excellent work we are doing to improve air quality for Londoners.’

The London Hydrogen Partnership recently published a hydrogen action plan which pledged to support the introduction of more hydrogen fuelled vehicles in the Capital.

For more information visit the Greater London Authority website.

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