Norman Baker MP launched one of Brighton & Hove’s latest Wrightbodied Volvo B5L Hybrid buses on Friday (November 16).
The fleet of 11 buses will be used on cross-city route 7 between Hove and Brighton Marina as well as service 28 between Lewes and Brighton. They have been part funded by the Green Bus Fund (GBF). They join the pair purchased earlier in the year without GBF support.
Commenting on the launch, Roger French, MD, said: “We’re delighted to be introducing more ‘green’ buses and are looking forward to evaluating how they run on two busy routes with different characteristics – one route in the city with hills and lots of stopping and starting and one on a faster route between the city and Lewes.”
Joining Norman Baker and Roger French for the launch was Phil Fletcher and Neil Hearne from Volvo and Bridget Millmore, widow of Paul Millmore after whom the bus has been named. Paul was a great advocate of the South Downs becoming a National Park and many friends and supporters gathered to watch the bus being launched in his memory.
Almost all of Brighton & Hove’s 280-strong bus fleet is named after local deceased people who made a significant contribution to the area during their lifetime.
