Hybrid bus coming soon to London Bridge

The Mayor of London Ken Livingstone this week unveiled the first hybrid double-decker bus in the world at City Hall.

Hybrid buses, which use a combination of diesel and electric power, are part of the Mayor's long-term goal of a low carbon hydrogen-based transport system.

"Hybrid vehicles can make a real contribution to a cleaner, greener public transport network for Southwark and for the rest of the capital," says Ken Livingstone.

"Bus manufacturers and operators now need to rise to this challenge to make this economically and financially feasible."

London's transport commissioner Peter Hendy added: "Transport for London currently has six single-deck hybrid buses operating on route 360 in London, from Elephant & Castle to Kensington and is actively pursuing the development and increased deployment of hybrid buses on London's bus network."

The Hybrid double-decker bus has been built by Wrights of Ballymena. It will go into service on route 141 from London Bridge to Wood Green at the end of November.

Three zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell buses operate on route RV1 along the SE1 riverside.