HYBRIDS IN, ARTICS OUT!

摘要

In London 2009 will be remembered for the introduction of hybrid buses, the start of the withdrawal of the allegedly dangerous articulated buses, concern about Transport for London's costs - and probably the highest-profile event, the competition to design and build the New Bus for London, the Borismaster as many describe it as a jokey swipe at Mayor Boris Johnson who wanted to see a new-generation Routemaster.rnLondon was in the vanguard with hybrid buses and after several delays 44 new diesel-electrics went into TfL service during the year, joining the 12 earlier Wright Electrocity single-deckers. More details of the new buses will be found on page 4, but for a while it looked as if hybrids would be an expensive flash in the pan, perhaps only surviving as an eco-luxury for Londoners. Then the Green Bus Fund came along to change the perception of hybrids in other parts of England, by paying out the difference between the cost of conventional and hybrid or electric buses, and of the 349 buses that are covered by this, 46 are for London operators.