BAE Systems hybrids drive London United a million miles 23 August 2011

Buses powered by BAE Systems' HybriDrive hybrid electric propulsion system, operated by London United, have recently clocked up their one millionth mile.

London United, owned by RATP Group, runs a fleet of 27 hybrid buses built by Britain's largest bus builder Alexander Dennis (ADL) – comprising five single and 22 double deck vehicles.

London United engineering director Les Birchley reckons that since the first of its buses entered service in late 2008, the environmentally friendly propulsion has saved well over 44,000 gallons of diesel and prevented the release of more than 450 tonnes of CO2.

"London United is proud to be the first operator in London to achieve the milestone of one million hybrid miles," comments Birchley.

"Our fleet of BAE Systems HybriDrive Series-powered ADL hybrid buses continue to perform well, and have proved their worth, in terms of achieving both superior fuel savings and optimum reliability," he adds.

London United ordered an additional 20 vehicles last year, following its participation in the hybrid bus trial run by TfL (Transport for London), all of which are now in service in London.

No fewer than 230 HybriDrive Series powered vehicles are in service in the UK today, running in cities including London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Oxford, Reading, Newcastle and Hull.

"We firmly believe that hybrid is the right technology for UK transit bus, and with HybriDrive Series, we have a proven, robust system that delivers both class-leading fuel economy and reliability," states Rob Lindsay, BAE Systems, director of transport systems (UK and Europe).

"Seeing London United place a repeat order for HybriDrive Series-powered vehicles and then reach a million miles of service with them is a fantastic achievement," he concludes.

"Our passengers and drivers love them," says Birchley.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
BAE Systems

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