Isra-Mart srl:Boris launches "marvellous" hydrogen bus fleet

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Isra-Mart srl news:

The UK's first zero-emission bus route is to ride through London next year, after Mayor Boris Johnson signed off plans for a fleet of hydrogen-fuelled buses, the first of which will come into service this weekend.

The Mayor's Office confirmed late last week that the first of eight hydrogen buses, specifically designed for Transport for London, will start operating on Saturday 18 December using hydrogen fuel cell technology that emits only water vapour.

All eight buses are expected to be phased into operation for the The RV1 route next year, creating the UK's first zero-emission bus route and potentially the largest hydrogen bus fleet in Europe.

The buses will refuel at First's Lea Interchange bus depot in Stratford, east London, which will host the UK's largest permanent hydrogen refuelling station.

"These buses are a marvel of hydrogen technology, emitting only water rather than belching out harmful pollutants," said Johnson in a statement. "They will run through the most polluted part of the city, through two air pollution hotspots, helping to improve London's air quality."

Under plans set out by the industry and government run by London Hydrogen Partnership earlier this year, London will run a 'hydrogen network' by 2012 to boost the technology.

The group is working with London boroughs and private landowners to deliver six refuelling sites to run hydrogen-powered vehicles in the capital over the next two years.

It also wants to see at least 150 hydrogen-powered vehicles on the road in London by 2012, including 15 hydrogen powered taxis.

Mayor Johnson is under intense pressure to curb air pollution in the capital after missing a deadline to comply with EU air quality rules. The EU is now considering legal action that could see London fined hundreds of millions of pounds unless it acts swiftly to reduce emissions of particulates and harmful gases.