Hybrid buses are to run on the streets of Brighton and Hove.
Two of the buses, costing £280,000 each, have been bought by Brighton and Hove Buses to use on the number 7 route.
Roger French, the managing director of the bus company, hopes to buy more of the double deckers.
They combine an electric motor and battery pack which runs in parallel with a small Euro 5 standard diesel engine.
Ian Davey, the Brighton and Hove City Council cabinet member for transport, launched the first two hybrids buses at a ceremony in Old Steine today (Tuesday 20 March).
Councillor Davey said: “I am delighted to see Brighton and Hove Buses investing in the latest hybrid technology for its buses.
“This will be a great help towards improving air quality in the city.”
Mr French said: “We are delighted to be the first bus company on the south coast to introduce this emerging technology to our bus fleet.
“The buses will be operating on route 7 which runs along busy city centre streets including North Street and Queen’s Road on its way from Hove to Brighton Marina via Brighton Station.”
Brighton and Hove Buses has submitted a bid to the Department for Transport’s Green Bus Fund for a grant towards the purchase of 11 more hybrids.
