44 Volvo hybrid buses for Arriva in the UK

Arriva North West in the UK have taken delivery of 44 Volvo B5LH double decker buses with Wrightbus bodywork, as part of the largest order of its type outside of London.

The delivery sees 44 hybrids enter service for Arriva in Birkenhead and Bolton and is in part due to Green Bus funding.

Phil Cummins, Regional Engineering Director, Arriva North West and Wales, expressed his delight at the delivery. “The Volvo B5LH is a strong and reliable vehicle and we really like the Wrightbus bodywork.

“The Green Bus funding gave us the opportunity to upgrade our fleet and I’m sure our customers will love the new buses. We have already begun driver training and all of the vehicles should be in full operation by early April.”

Volvo’s innovative B5LH’s parallel drive system combines a 4.8 litre diesel engine with an electric motor, which can be used independently or in combination in any proportion as demanded by the vehicle control system.

“The Birkenhead based vehicles will operate between West Kirby, New Brighton and Liverpool City Centre, running ‘electrically’ as they pass through the Mersey Tunnel, which is obviously great news for the region,” continued Phil Cummins.

Volvo Bus Sales Director, Phil Owen, said “Volvo Bus has been driving the development of hybrid technology over the last few years and The Green Bus Fund has given operators the freedom and incentive to invest in new solutions.

“This Arriva North West delivery sees 44 of our B5LH double deck buses take to the road, which is obviously a clear indication of the trust operators put in our hybrid product.”