Friday November 9 saw Ensign display and demonstrate its first five Hybrids to invited guests at its Purfleet depot before they entered service the following day on its Thurrock Network, a sixth identical vehicle is set to enter service within the next two weeks. The vehicles, Volvo B5H's with Wrights Gemini II bodies were part funded by the second round of Green Bus Funding and followed a Volvo Wrights Hybrid demonstrator having been trialled last year.
The vehicles will be used primarily on the busy and expanded route 22, which operates from Aveley via Lakeside and Grays to Stifford Clays. In a break away from more usual 'green' branding for hybrid vehicles all carry route advertising for the 'Electric Blue 22' service. The route has seen 100% growth over the past three years and it is hoped the new, more comfortable and cleaner buses will continue this trend of switch to bus use.
Commenting on the launch, Peter Newman, Chairman of Ensignbus said. 'We are delighted to be able to add the first Hybrids in Essex to our fleet where we believe the enhanced ride quality, lower emissions and better fuel economy will allow us to continue to expand the network we have built up throughout Thurrock by providing a modern, clean and reliable fleet'
The vehicles will be used primarily on the busy and expanded route 22, which operates from Aveley via Lakeside and Grays to Stifford Clays. In a break away from more usual 'green' branding for hybrid vehicles all carry route advertising for the 'Electric Blue 22' service. The route has seen 100% growth over the past three years and it is hoped the new, more comfortable and cleaner buses will continue this trend of switch to bus use.
Commenting on the launch, Peter Newman, Chairman of Ensignbus said. 'We are delighted to be able to add the first Hybrids in Essex to our fleet where we believe the enhanced ride quality, lower emissions and better fuel economy will allow us to continue to expand the network we have built up throughout Thurrock by providing a modern, clean and reliable fleet'