So what's so special about this new bus? Here's a brief précis of how it works:
The ten new vehicles are diesel-electric parallel hybrids and this means that either a small engine or an electric battery can power the gearbox which then drives the wheels. The battery is recharged from the engine and through regenerative braking when the bus slows down.
The hybrid driveline makes the vehicle far more efficient and so this will result in significant fuel savings and therefore a reduction in the carbon footprint.
The new buses have a number of exciting features including:
a.. Free onboard Wi-Fi: stay connected while you travel.
b.. Alloy wheels: Reducing weight and reducing fuel consumption.
c.. Stop-start feature: at many bus stops and traffic lights the engine will switch off and the bus will drive away purely on battery power meaning a much quieter ride for you.
d.. Audio-visual stop announcements: to help if you are unsure of the route.
The official launch for the new hybrids, to which everyone is invited, is on Saturday the 13th of April at 11am in Castle Street, Edinburgh. Transport Minister Keith Brown will cut the tape amidst a number of celebreties and renowned piper Gordon Stirling will escort the lead bus with a selection of music specially chosen for the event.
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