Arriva North West has taken delivery of 44 Volvo B5LH hybrid double-decker buses with Wrightbus bodywork, as part of the largest order of its type outside of London.
The delivery sees 33 hybrids enter service for Arriva at Laird Street in Birkenhead, with a further 11 in Bolton, and is due, in part, to Green Bus funding.
The parallel drive systems used in the B5LH combine a 4.8-litre diesel engine with an electric motor, which can be used independently or in combination in any proportion, as demanded by the vehicle control system.
"The Volvo B5LH is a strong and reliable vehicle and we really like the Wrightbus bodywork," comments Phil Cummins, regional engineering director at Arriva North West and Wales.
"The Green Bus funding gave us the opportunity to upgrade our fleet and I'm sure our customers will love the new buses," he adds.
Cummins reveals that driver training has already commenced, with a view to full operation by early April.
