Transport for London acquires BAE Systems-powered bus
The bus, a double-deck model built by Britain’s Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), is among 17 hybrid units built by ADL and BAE Systems that will be evaluated in passenger service starting later this year.
A red London bus with a BAE Systems hybrid-electric drive train was delivered to Transport for London and Metrobus, one of the city’s principal bus operators.
The bus, a double-deck model built by Britain’s Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), is among 17 hybrid units built by ADL and BAE Systems that will be evaluated in passenger service starting later this year.
Delivery of the bus at Euro Bus Expo 2008 in Birmingham, U.K., marks the introduction of BAE Systems’ HybriDrive propulsion technology to the European market. The diesel-electric drive system is already in use on more than 1,500 buses in North American cities.
The system reduces emissions and fuel consumption while meeting the durability requirements of demanding urban transit operations. It consists of a generator, an electric motor and an energy storage system managed by computerized controls. A diesel engine that turns the generator operates independently of the electric drive motor, allowing it to run at nearly consistent speed for optimum efficiency.
More Technology
Biz Briefs: Masabi Partners with LANTA and More
In this edition, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.
Read More →
Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.
Read More →
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
Alstom Acquires Delaware Site to Support Amtrak NextGen Acela Fleet
The company is investing more than $55 million to acquire and improve the property and will employ approximately 100 people at this site once it is operational.
Read More →
ABA's Ferguson Testifies in Support of BUS Act, National Standards for Bus Operators
The BUSES Act would create a nationwide framework preventing state and local governments from enforcing bus idling restrictions of less than 15 minutes, a threshold consistent with existing Environmental Protection Agency guidance.
Read More →
When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.
Read More →
California Selects Team for Nation’s First True High-Speed Rail Track and Systems Contract
The board action follows completion of track installation at the 150-acre southern railhead in Kern County, which will serve as the staging and distribution hub for high-speed track and systems installation.
Read More →
IndyGo, Cleveland RTA Expand Digital Fare Payment Options with Masabi
The new systems combine mobile apps, smart cards, and automatic fare capping to simplify payments, expand flexibility, and help riders access the lowest available fares.
Read More →
LA Metro Launches New Mobile App, Contactless Payment Options
Available on Metro and at 26 TAP-participating transit agencies, the system reduces waiting times, speeds boarding, and improves convenience systemwide, said the agency.
Read More →
Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, the co-author of New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies, discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.
Read More →