A CLEANER, GREENER bus joined the Dublin Bus fleet recently.The so-called ‘hybrid’ bus – using both a battery and diesel engine – spews out 90 per cent less carbon dioxide than an ordinary bus.
Green Party transport spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe welcomed the arrival of the first hybrid bus to the Dublin Bus convoy at a launch in Dublin Castle.
Cuffe said: “I visited the Wright Bus manufacturing facility in Ballymena, Co Antrim last week and was impressed with their manufacturing operation. This is a positive step forward by Dublin Bus in providing cleaner and greener public transport options.
“These buses use a combination of battery and diesel engine technology, which makes them more fuel efficient and cheaper to run. They also cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent, and carbon monoxide by 90 per cent.
“In addition they are much less noisy than conventional buses as the main engine is 2.4 litres in capacity rather than the six or nine-litre engine equivalent in conventional buses. This engine is supplemented by a powerful electric motor that assists in accelerating away from the bus stop. It also generates power during the braking process.”
However, Cuffe criticised the fact that just one of these buses have been ordered by Dublin Bus.
“My only regret is that Dublin Bus is only taking delivery of one of these hybrid buses. I understand that the Mayor of London has ordered 10 such buses, and if we were to take a similar number in Dublin, it would have a greater impact on reducing emissions.
“These new green technologies point the way to the future, and I note that the Wright Bus company employs 1,200 people in their manufacturing facility. Hopefully we will see more of these vehicles on the road in the future.
He concluded: “Such technologies can help reduce emissions, and can create valuable manufacturing jobs here in Ireland.”
