03/10/2005

• Next-generation vehicle replaces double-decker in 7/7 terrorist attack
• Bus sums up strength of Capital’s drivers and local communities

The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, today (3 October 2005) unveiled a new double-decker bus, named ‘Spirit of London’, which will replace the Stagecoach vehicle destroyed in the July 7 terrorist attacks.

Stagecoach is introducing the next generation vehicle on the No.30 bus route, which operates from Marble Arch to Hackney Wick.

Built in Falkirk and Guildford by bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis, the Enviro 400 vehicle is the first of its kind to be introduced in London.

Ken Livingstone said: “This new bus is another illustration of London’s recovery following the terrible events in July. It is a tribute to those who lost their lives and who were injured and a further recognition that London’s transport workers, along with the emergency services, responded to the attacks magnificently. London's spirit has been shown in how the city has stood united and defiant in the face of terrorism.”

Brian Souter, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group, said: “We will never forget the horrific events of 7 July, which have touched the lives of so many people, including our own employees at Stagecoach. This new state-of-the-art bus truly sums up the bravery, determination and community spirit of Londoners and the Capital’s bus drivers. “

The new low-floor vehicle, which meets the latest European environmental standards and is fully disability accessible, will be based at Stagecoach’s Stratford depot.

It features a sophisticated cooling and heating system for the upper deck of the bus. The bus also incorporates an ergonomically-designed driver’s cab and, with 75 seats, has a larger capacity than any other vehicle of its type.

Stagecoach operates around 1250 buses in London.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Steve Stewart, Head of Media and Public Affairs, Stagecoach Group
Tel: 01738 442111 or 07764 774 680

Notes to Editors

• ‘Spirit of London’ is a Dennis Trident fitted with Alexander Dennis Limited’s (ADL) new Enviro 400 bodywork. The capital will be amongst the first cities receiving Euro IV versions of the new bus during early 2006.
• The new vehicle will operate on a number of routes from Stagecoach East London’s Stratford garage including the No. 30 on which the 7/7 bombing occurred.
• The new ‘Spirit of London’ bus was built in Guildford, Surrey (chassis) and Falkirk Stirlingshire (bodywork) and is capable of carrying 75 seated passengers with 7 more lower deck seats than the design it replaces.
• The bus is also fitted with all of the equipment now required as standard on all new London Buses including low floor step free layout on the lower deck, on-board CCTV, tinted glass, automatic heating system, wheelchair ramp and front ‘kneeling system and Euro III engine. This particular vehicle is also fitted, as a trial, with an advanced upper deck air cooling system.