Luxembourg City unveils new bus fleet

(CS) In a bid to reduce pollution levels in town, the City of Luxembourg has invested in 22 new buses, which were unveiled on Sunday at the Hamilius bus station.

The new buses will add a splash of colour to the streets of Luxembourg, designed in the colours of the Multiplicity logo, meant to represent the different cultures and nationalities coming together in the Grand Duchy's capital.

Most of all, the buses are meant to bring Luxembourg City a step closer to fulfilling EU pollution guidelines.

The new fleet consists of 17 articulated buses, also dubbed accordion buses, and five hybrids. The hybrid buses especially will use 30% less fuel than their regular alternatives, generating 40-50% less emissions.

The new articulated buses add to the fleet's vehicles conforming to EURO 5 standards. Luxembourg's capital has been trying to deal with a recurring problem of elevated air pollution levels.

By 2015 EU norms have to be fulfilled to avoid alternative solutions, such as a system of badges allowing cars access to the city centre based on emissions, already in operation in various European cities.

Over the next three years, some 85 buses will be replaced with newer models, with hopes to eventually replace the entire 160-strong fleet not conforming to regulations. The second phase of the overhaul will take place later this year with a further five hybrid buses and 19 articulated buses taking to the streets.

Around 9.5million euros are planned in the capital's budget for the modernisation.