On Monday the 15th of April passengers waiting for Service 1 were taking a second look at the bus that approached them. Everyone noticed the difference and the sight of an eco-bus grabs people more than anything these days!

The days of the 1 operating on little Y-reg Dennis Darts are for the most part over and now passengers can enjoy state-of-the-art Hybrid vehicles, quiet and smooth with Wi-Fi facilities for use of the computer - free of charge too! Enjoy the luxurious and cosy interior, the audio-visual stop announcements by an attractive girl to help you if you're not sure of the route - though she won't actually be seen!

There's a coach like feel to the new buses which are built in Poland and all for the amazing single flat fare of £1.50. You can even have fun and try to ride on all ten of them and a day ticket costs a mere £3.50.

And remember if you do want to catch any of Lothian's new fleet group 1 to 10 please don't go to Davidson's Mains as two people said to me they might do....the 1 hasn't gone down there for nearly 30 years guys - except of course on Sunday the 21st of April when you have been very lucky indeed!

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At Edinburgh's bracing seaside terminus Eastfield, near to Portobello and Joppa, a special evening session for transport enthusiasts was hosted by Lothian Buses for the launch of ten new Volvo 7900 Hybrid single deckers which come into service on Monday the 15th of April.

In an inspirational talk, given by Environmental Manager Dr. Steve Johnson, the 34 people seated and (almost) 58 standing inside Volvo H/LF7905 number 2 (HY13 BUS) were given an impromptu feast of information about the new vehicles, built in Poland, and what their capabilities are.

Right from the outset the atmosphere was electric and no batteries needed charging throughout the evening! You can tell when someone's doing their job well - but this was someone doing far more than just his job. Steve's personal pride in this project is admirable and combined with his typical charm and enthusiasm the audience was gripped to the new moquette seats with eager!

The multiple award winning company always delivers the best in everything and such an occasion - laid on for bus enthusiasts demonstrates the warm relationship Lothian continues to have with Edinburgh's general public. You only get this when the management staff are enthusiasts themselves and this was an evening to savour for as long as possible.


Volvo 7900 Hybrid numbers 1 and 2 (LB13 BUS and HY13 BUS) pose together for a photo shoot.

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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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For many waiting at the Eastfield terminus this was a very special occasion and here we got the very first glimpse of our new Volvo 7900 Hybrid single decker buses as Dr. Steve Johnson drives what will be Lothian's new fleet number 1 (LB13BUS) alongside the crowds of enthusiasts and photographers.

At the rear Chris Cuthill is the second proud driver in number 2 (HY13 BUS) for this presentation evening.

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Looking towards Ramsay Garden and the steeple of St. Columba's on Johnston Terrace in the distance we're in Castle Street for the momentous launch of Lothian's ten new Volvo 7900 hybrid buses.

Environmental Manager Dr. Steve Johnson is seen chatting in the bright sunshine on this April morning. Three vehicles were escorted by piper Gordon Stirling with a blaze of publicity and guests from all over the world.

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