Hybrids may typically be associated with celebs and tree-huggers, but it looks like they’re going to become part of six million journeys made every workday in London. This is of course Transport for London’s plans to completely transform its mighty bus fleet into an eco-friendly system by 2012.

The plans to introduce eco-friendly public transport buses have been in the pipeline for years. Originally a driving force of Ken Livingston’s transport campaign, the idea was put under trial in 2006. Unfortunately the engines overheated, and the trials were temporarily put on hold.

Earlier this year the trials were revived with six hybrid buses taking to the streets of London. After a successful trial, the six buses were formally introduced into the fleet and plans are now being made to add an additional 8000 in time for the Olympic Games.

According to the transport for London website the hybrid buses “reduce emissions of local pollutants and carbon dioxide by at least 30 per cent compared to a conventional diesel bus.” Built around a typical London driving experience, the batteries are deigned to charge each time the bus brakes.

London is just one of many world cities introducing green buses. New York, San Francisco and Toronto have already introduced green buses with plans to revamp their entire systems. The move will highlight the UK’s position as an eco-conscious country; the capital’s iconic red buses now a symbol of change.

Picture from All About Buses