Electric double decker bus to be trialled in London
News
30 Jun 2015
The world’s first purpose-built all electric double decker bus will be introduced to London roads this year as a part of the capital’s continuing efforts to reduce emissions.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson made the announcement at the first ever Clean Bus Summit on 29 June, which hosted representatives from major bus manufacturer’s from around the world. Bus manufacturers including BYD, Volvo, Wright Bus, Optare Mercedes Evo Bus and Alexander Dennis attended the summit and committed to supporting cities in delivering fleets of new ultra-low emission buses.
The World Bank and Green Investment Bank have also signed up to this commitment, which builds on the Global Clean Bus Declaration developed by the Mayor in partnership with the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, launched in Buenos Aires in March 2015.
The new double decker all electric bus will be manufactured by BYD and enter service on on London roads by October, running on route 16 between Cricklewood and Victoria Station.
Additionally, London will also see a single deck electric bus manufactured by Irizar join its current fleet of eight electric busses manufactured by Optare and BYD. These will contribute to the Capital’s first pure electric bus route - the 312 - which runs between Norwood and South Croydon and is set to be created later this year.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “The iconic red double-decker bus is about to become greener than ever. I could not be more pleased that London will play host to these exciting pure electric double-deck buses, and I’m sure the lucky users of route 16 will embrace it with gusto. London is a world leader in clean buses but we can’t do it alone, and events like this Clean Bus Summit are key to making further progress.”
Sir Peter Hendy CBE, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “We have blazed the trail when it comes to green bus technology so it’s fitting that the first Clean Bus Summit should take place here in the Capital. Sharing best practice and working together with our colleagues from around the world really is the best way to reach our common goal of reducing emissions. The introduction of new electric buses and further developments like induction charging at termini for hybrid bus batteries will significantly improve air quality and provide our passengers with quieter and smoother journeys later this year. We continue to embrace new technologies as they develop.”
