Thousands of passengers in Birmingham are set to climb aboard a fleet of super green buses after the region won a £1.3 million Government contribution towards the cost of buying the latest hybrid vehicles.
A joint bid for the cash by bus operator National Express West Midlands (NXWM)and transport authority Centro has been given the go ahead by the Department for Transport as part of its Green Bus Fund.
The money will enable a fleet of 20 buses equipped with the latest fuel efficient, low polluting engines to be put into operation on the 22 and 23 routes operating to the south of the city.
The new buses are due to be introduced in early 2011 as part of the two organisations’ Transforming Bus Travel partnership. This sets out a vision of high quality bus services playing a key role in the world class public transport system that Centro is striving to deliver.
Martin Hancock, Commercial Director at National Express, said: “We are continually investing in our bus services in the Midlands and this project is very exciting as not only will we have brand new buses for the city, they will use at least 30 per cent less fuel than equivalent conventional buses. We look forward to working with Centro on the implementation of the buses.”
Centro’s lead member for bus and highways, Councillor Jon Hunt (Lib Dem Perry Barr), added: “It’s great to see our local public transport leading the way in the use of these next generation hybrid buses.
“These vehicles will help us to achieve the reduction in carbon emissions that have been laid down.”
The new low carbon buses not only use far less fuel but also emit more than a third less carbon than a conventional bus and have the potential to significantly reduce the impact of road transport on climate change. Their electric/diesel hybrid engines will also meet the most stringent emission standards to help improve air quality.
The £1.3 million for the West Midlands is part of a total £30 million Green Bus Fund announced for England today (Thursday December 3) by Transport Minister Sadiq Khan.
Experts believe that as more low carbon buses are produced and sold, costs will reduce. This in turn will further encourage bus technology and stimulate the market for low carbon buses, an industry in which the UK is a world leader.
Industry estimates that up to 1000 jobs around the country will be safeguarded as a result of the investment.
