Mayor welcomes full production of New Bus for London21 September 2012

The order for up to 600 New Bus for London (NBfL) vehicles over the next four years was approved yesterday (Thursday 20 September) by the Transport for London Board, in line with the Mayor's election promise.

This is the largest order of hybrid buses ever placed in Europe and when the new buses are added to London's existing hybrid will make the UK capital the most densely populated with diesel-electric hybrid buses.

Affectionately known as Boris Buses and being manufactured by Wrightbus to replace the old Routemasters), these hop-on, hop-off buses – seven of which are already in service with Arriva –harness series hybrid diesel-electric technology.

Cummins is providing the diesel engine system while Siemens builds the electric traction system.

Many other components of the new bus, including the superstructure and seats, are manufactured in the UK.

"These magnificent vehicles not only ooze London style but are a testament to British design, engineering and above all innovation," comments Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

"Not only do they deliver significant environmental benefits, [but] they also reinstate the traditional hop-on, hop-off rear platform, and passengers love them," he continues.

"By ordering large numbers of these fantastic machines we are also creating UK jobs. I promised an expansion of the existing fleet and I am confident they will be as iconic in London as phone boxes, Big Ben and Beefeaters."

Transport for London expects the first central London bus route, requiring approximately 30 vehicles, will be converted by the end of April 2013 to full hybrid technology. In total, around 93 new buses will be delivered to TfL in 2013.

Approximately 200 vehicles are due to be delivered in 2014, 250 in 2015, with the remainder in 2016.

In a departure from the current bus ownership model, TfL has also taken the decision to purchase the buses directly from the manufacturer.

This, says the organisation, has secured a better unit price, because of the larger numbers being ordered. The buses will then be allocated to the bus operators, reducing contract costs as the operator will simply quote for staffing, fuel and maintenance costs.

Author
Brian Tinham

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