London Welcomes Back Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Buses

London is eager to witness the return of its beloved Routemasters, the red double-decker buses iconic for the capital city.

Although these hybrids have always been considered one of London's symbols, they were taken off the road six years ago because they were getting too old and less cost-efficient, Treehugger informs.

Fortunately, an on-going campaign will bring a better version of the popular hybrid diesel-electric bus. The first vehicle of this kind will start rolling on the streets of London in February.

Its manufacturers made the improved Routemasters up to 15% more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. The fleet will also preserve the air quality, by emitting only 640 grams per kilometre (g/km) of CO2 and 3.96 g/km of Oxides of nitrogen (NOx), half of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions usually generated by a diesel-powered competitor.

The interior design is also revealing a series of much-needed improvements. Energy-efficiency is ensured by a LED-based lighting system, indicating the next stops.