STAGECOACH, the UK bus company, is to put on trial a futuristic hybrid electric bus, part of a bid to encourage local authorities to consider introducing the environmentally friendly vehicle in their areas. The state-of-the-art Designline-manufactured vehicle, which has been successfully operated by Stagecoach in Wellington, New Zealand, will first be showcased in Carlisle and the Lake District from 9 August. After a two-week test the bus, which has the advantage of being able to run emission-free in densely populated areas, will be demonstrated from 25 August in Coventry and Leamington. The vehicle will then spend a fortnight in Oxford from 13 September, before moving on to Winchester for a two-week spell from 27 September. The hybrid electric bus is already set to be introduced in Newcastle after Stagecoach North East was selected as preferred bidder to run the vehicle on a premier service in the city. Nine of the ”200,000 vehicles are expected to operate on the route, with the service planned to start spring/summer next year.
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