New fleet of green buses unveiled

Three hydrogen-powered buses were trialled in 2004

A fleet of hydrogen-powered buses has been bought to operate on the London transport network.

Transport for London (TfL) said it has signed a deal worth £10m for 10 buses, the biggest of its kind in Europe.

They will come into service by 2010, producing no pollution or carbon dioxide (CO2), a major contributor to global warming, said TfL.

The announcement follows a trial of hydrogen-powered buses which started in January 2004.

'Quieter ride'

London Mayor Ken Livingstone said hydrogen fuel improved air quality and did not produce the harmful emissions.

"These ten new hydrogen vehicles will be clean and efficient, providing a smoother, quieter ride for passengers," he said.

We firmly believe this is a worthwhile investment in developing clean, green technology Mike Weston, London Buses

"London is now the first city in Europe to commit to a hydrogen bus fleet of this size."

The mayor has set a target for 5% of all public sector fleet vehicles to be powered by hydrogen by 2015.

Transport for London received a government grant of £2.6 million towards the new buses.

"Hydrogen technology is still being developed and we are paying a premium for these early models," said Mike Weston, operations director for London Buses.

"However, we firmly believe this is a worthwhile investment in developing clean, green technology and we expect costs to reduce over time."

The contract was signed by American firm ISE but subcontractors will include the Wright Group, a bus manufacturer based in Northern Ireland.