Stagecoach putting £16m into innovative green bus programme

The 16 million investment will fund 56 state-of-the-art buses with 30 per cent fewer carbon emissions than standard vehicles. Bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis and BAE Systems have provided the technology behind the new buses, which feature an innovative regenerative braking system.

A fleet of 26 hybrid vehicles will run on some of the busiest city centre routes in Oxford. The city has one of the highest levels of bus use in the UK, with around 50 per cent of all local journeys made by bus.

Stagecoach's bus network in Manchester will also benefit from 30 electric-hybrid vehicles from September.

The new vehicles are being part-funded by a 5m support package from the Department for Transport's Green Bus Fund. Brian Souter, Stagecoach chief executive, said: "This is Britain's biggest single investment in green hybrid bus technology. The new buses have better fuel consumption, as well as significantly lower carbon emissions.

"Greener, smarter bus travel is a low-cost, low-carbon solution to the challenge of climate change. New technology and pro-bus policies are crucial if we are to get people to switch from the car to public transport."

Transport minister Norman Baker said: "Today's announcement sends a very positive message to the industry that newer and greener technology will be at the forefront of our transport system of the future."

He urged other local authorities to follow suit by taking advantage of 15m of additional funding for green buses.

The new Enviro400H buses were built at Alexander Dennis's manufacturing plants in Falkirk and Guildford.

Colin Robertson, chief executive, Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), said: "We have now had electric-hybrids on trial in the UK for 20 months and they have consistently recorded fuel and CO2 reductions of around 35 per cent. They have also demonstrated their reliability by being available for service virtually 100 per cent of the time.

"We are now well beyond the pioneering stage with electric-hybrids and can lead the world with a transport solution that tackles clean air issues head-on."