15 August 2008
SPT invests in hybrid buses drive
SPT members have agreed to introduce state-of-the-art hybrid buses which will be used in an extensive trial over the coming months.
The £107k SPT initiative – believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland – will see two low-floor vehicles converted from purely diesel power to the latest diesel-electric hybrid drive technology.
The move will boost SPT's goals of reducing CO2 emissions, fuel consumption and noise levels, all of which will be monitored.
Hybrid-drive buses are powered by a battery pack connected to a small car-sized diesel engine or the existing bus diesel engine running at a greatly reduced speed.
The buses also use regenerative braking as an energy-saving feature, which recharges the batteries via the braking system.
Both vehicles to be converted are owned by Henderson Travel.
Following their conversion – at an estimated cost of £106, 864 – the buses will be used on services 310 (Shettleston – Baillieston – Glasgow Fort) and 395 (East Kilbride – Eaglesham – Newton Mearns - Barrhead – Uplawmoor).
SPT Chair Alistair Watson said: "We are making strides in encouraging fuel economy, but like everything else - we need to stay ahead of the game. Hybrid buses are the future.
"They’re technically advanced, super-efficient, giving great fuel consumption with low carbon dioxide emissions.
"Great news for the environment and our continued drive to lower CO2 emissions alongside value for money."