Transport for London (TfL) has announced the launch of the trial to test four specially designed hybrid buses capable of wirelessly charging at bus stops, reports The Guardian.
The Alexander Dennis Enviro400H E400 buses feature a diesel-electric hybrid engine, fitted with technology that will enable the batteries to get charged when stationary at an equipped bus stop.
From next year onwards, four buses will operate on the route 69 between Canning Town and Walthamstow stations, both of which will be fitted with wireless charging technology.
TfL has not disclosed the carbon emission, air pollution, and fuel cost savings expected from the trial, added the report.
In addition, the buses have a diesel engine to be used when the battery charge runs down.
The trial is being part-funded by the Zero Emissions Urban Bus System (Zeeus) and represents the green bus pilot scheme undertaken by TfL.
This trial represents valuation of the technology that can deliver genuine environmental benefits. This trial is a step closer to getting cleaner double-deck buses on London’s streets. The results of the trials will be monitored, which may help to adopt this new cleaner technology, said, Mike Weston, director, buses, TfL.
Recently, IPPR has published a new report arguing that the failure of other cities to outdo TfL’s coordinated, city-wide approach had led to higher fares, poor bus services, and increased environmental impacts.
The study observed at the liberalization of bus provision in the UK and exposed how bus conveyance outside London dipped 32 percent since 1986, while rising 99 percent in the capital.
London has the best buses in Britain. Transport for London has been nice while the management of buses outside London has been pathetic. Local transport bodies should be given powers to hold uncompetitive providers to account, said, Will Straw, associate director,IPPR.