National Express West Midlands have introduced a fleet of hybrid buses costing £5.2m which includes contributions from the Green Bus Fund. The buses will run on routes from Birmingham to the suburbs in the west of the city.
Unusually, the order for 18 buses has been split between two types of hybrids and two manufacturers, so direct comparisons between the two types can be made. Half of the order consists of the Alexander Dennis Enviro 400H's and the other half, Volvo B5TL with Wrightbus bodywork. The Enviros have BAE Systems 'series' drive and the Volvos have their own Volvo 'parallel' drive system and a 12 speed gearbox with automated change.
The vehicles will be based at National Express West Midlands’ Central garage in Birmingham where all drivers on the routes rota will be type trained on both types. This will provide the opportunity for wide ranging
evaluation of the two technologies in readiness for opportunities which may be presented by the recently announced third round of Green Bus funding.
Source - Bus & Coach Buyer Magazine
