‘World first’ for Wrightbus with launch of hydrogen powered bus fleet

Wrightbus from Co Antrim has created a ‘world first’ with the launch of a hydrogen powered double decker bus fleet in Aberdeen.
By Mark Rainey
Published 28th Jan 2021, 15:46 BST
The launch of the world's first hydrogen double deckers starting their service routes in Aberdeen. Picture: Abermedia/Michal WachucikThe launch of the world's first hydrogen double deckers starting their service routes in Aberdeen. Picture: Abermedia/Michal Wachucik
The launch of the world's first hydrogen double deckers starting their service routes in Aberdeen. Picture: Abermedia/Michal Wachucik

Operated by the First Bus company as part of an Aberdeen City Council initiative, the buses represent a major step forward in reducing the rate of climate change.

The zero-emission fleet emits only water from the bus exhausts as the fuel is made up from just wind and water.

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Co-leader of the city council, Jenny Laing, said: “The buses are a fantastic asset to the city as an entrepreneurial and technological leader as they have even more advanced technology which pushes established hydrogen boundaries and also greatly assist us in tackling air pollution in the city.”

Wrightbus chairman Jo Bamford, said it was a proud moment to see the 60-seat vehicles, which save one kilogram of CO2 with each kilometre they drive, on the road.

“Everyone at Wrightbus is incredibly proud to see the world’s-first hydrogen double decker bus fleet in full service and carrying passengers around the streets of Aberdeen,” he said.

“It marks a pivotal moment in the city’s commitment to reaching net zero. We will see further Wrightbus hydrogen buses in locations across the UK, with fleets due to launch in Birmingham and London later this year. It’s vital that other towns and cities sit up and take note of their example.”

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Mr Bamford added: “Hydrogen has an important part to play in the decarbonisation of transport and the reduction in CO2 levels that we need to reach to ensure a net zero future.”

The buses will tackle more than just air pollution, as they are virtually silent when running, helping to reduce noise pollution also.

While prototype hydrogen buses have been developed previously, the Wrightbus fleet is the first of its kind to go into operation and welcome customers on board.

READ: First Wrightbus vehicles delivered under new ownership

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Related topics:Aberdeen