Boris Johnson reveals the greenest red London Bus ever

London’s latest double decker bus has hit the streets of the UK capital for the first time, after first being revealed back in November 2010.

Described as a true “21st century bus” and the “most environmentally friendly of its kind”, it’s the first time in 50 years London has had a bus designed specifically for its streets.

Built by Wrightbus in Northern Ireland and set to be operated by Arriva, it’s green credentials boast a hybrid set-up that promises twice as efficient fuel consumption over a standard diesel bus at 11.6mpg.

Test showed the bus emitted only 640 grams per kilometre (g/km) of carbon dioxide and 3.96 g/km of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). These figures are less than half the carbon dioxide emitted by a current diesel bus (1295g/km), and under half the NOx emitted too at 9.3g/km.

The bus will serve the 38 route from Victoria to Hackney as of February 2012, and is one of 8 new designs set to hit the tarmac in London next year.

“Christmas has arrived early in the form of this revolutionary new bus whose gleaming coat of red paint and sinuous curves will brighten the day of all who see it humming along our great city’s streets,” said Boris.

“It is the latest, greatest masterpiece of British engineering and design, and I am certain it will become a much-loved and iconic vehicle akin to the legendary Routemaster from which it draws so much inspiration.”

But forget all that; the best bit, as true Londoners will attest to, is that the jump-on platform a the rear of the bus is back! Sure, it’s now doored as standard, but will bring back many happy memories to those who ran and caught a ride at the very last minute, Indiana Jones style.

Via: TFL