Transport for London (TfL) operator – and ComfortDelGro subsidiary – Metroline has invested in 37 new Volvo B5LH hybrid double-deckers, using funding from Lloyds Bank’s £2bn Clean Growth Financing Initiative.
£50m has been set aside to support the purchase of hybrid and fully-electric vehicles.
Metroline is the first company to make use of the funding, using £10m to purchase the double-decker fleet in-line with mayor Sadiq Khan’s plans to turn London into the world’s ‘greenest global city.’
The funding package forms part of Metroline’s ongoing fleet renewal programme.
69 hybrid buses and 68 fully-electric buses are set to be operated by the company across routes 43, 113, 134 and 607 in the next 12 months.
Ishai Novick, Finance Director at Metroline, said: “We have an ongoing commitment to playing our part in reducing emissions in London.
“As a major provider of transport, it’s our job to ensure Londoners have a trusted, reliable partner that operates in a sustainable way with the future of the city at the heart of its ethos.
“Our customers are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of London’s transport network, so it’s important to demonstrate our commitment and ability to adapt and deliver new technologies in line with TfL’s target to reduce CO2 emissions by 60% by 2025.
“Accessing the Lloyds fund to invest in our fleet has given us the strong platform to make a real difference.”
