This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-33569460

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
New Routemaster's battery problems mean many run on just diesel New Routemaster's battery problems mean many run on just diesel
(about 3 hours later)
I'm told that at the back of a bus depot, there is a large pile of power batteries that no longer work.I'm told that at the back of a bus depot, there is a large pile of power batteries that no longer work.
All have been removed from the new bus for London and are a crucial part of the hybrid system.All have been removed from the new bus for London and are a crucial part of the hybrid system.
Drivers say that many buses across London are operating without them in place.Drivers say that many buses across London are operating without them in place.
Engine cannot cope
That means in some cases what Transport for London (TfL) claims is "the most environmentally friendly bus of its type" is running only on diesel.That means in some cases what Transport for London (TfL) claims is "the most environmentally friendly bus of its type" is running only on diesel.
Leon Daniels from TfL maintains that: "The New Routemaster is the cleanest and greenest bus of its class and we have seen absolutely no safety problems with its hybrid system. Engine cannot cope
"Metroline has confirmed that they are not aware of any issues arising from changes between electric and hybrid modes in service and they have had no such problems reported to them by their drivers." Leon Daniels from TfL had maintained that: "The New Routemaster is the cleanest and greenest bus of its class and we have seen absolutely no safety problems with its hybrid system."
However, he does concede: "Concerns have been raised previously about the performance of the batteries on the earlier vehicles." But today he admitted 80 of the new Routemasters are running on diesel generators and in all 200 will have failing batteries replaced under warranty.
I asked Mr Daniels if he was embarrassed about these performance issues. He said he was proud that London was at the forefront of developing new technologies.
In fact the batteries have been a problem for some time. In March, I reported that the batteries were going to be replaced under warranty.In fact the batteries have been a problem for some time. In March, I reported that the batteries were going to be replaced under warranty.
A number of drivers have raised the issue with Christian Wolmar, a transport journalist who is also seeking the Labour nomination for mayor of London.A number of drivers have raised the issue with Christian Wolmar, a transport journalist who is also seeking the Labour nomination for mayor of London.
They complain a lack of batteries means the diesel engine cannot cope. The bus is slower than usual and has poor acceleration.They complain a lack of batteries means the diesel engine cannot cope. The bus is slower than usual and has poor acceleration.
A letter from one driver said: "In about 90% of buses the hybrid system does not work. It is instead running on the diesel engine all the time (not eco-friendly is it?)."A letter from one driver said: "In about 90% of buses the hybrid system does not work. It is instead running on the diesel engine all the time (not eco-friendly is it?)."
'A Boris failure''A Boris failure'
Others said: "The hybrid system does not work", that it is "very slow", "it just cuts out in the middle of the road" and drivers "don't feel in control of the bus".Others said: "The hybrid system does not work", that it is "very slow", "it just cuts out in the middle of the road" and drivers "don't feel in control of the bus".
Mr Wolmar said: "What they have told me is profoundly shocking. These buses do not work properly, the electric motor does not work.Mr Wolmar said: "What they have told me is profoundly shocking. These buses do not work properly, the electric motor does not work.
"They stall quite a lot and there's a danger of them rolling back. Sometimes they go completely out of phase and all the red lights come on and the drivers find it very difficult to control them at times."They stall quite a lot and there's a danger of them rolling back. Sometimes they go completely out of phase and all the red lights come on and the drivers find it very difficult to control them at times.
"The drivers say almost nine out of 10 do not have the electric motors working. This bus is a ridiculous throw back. It has been a total waste of money. It's a Boris failure.""The drivers say almost nine out of 10 do not have the electric motors working. This bus is a ridiculous throw back. It has been a total waste of money. It's a Boris failure."
The Unite union has also received complaints.The Unite union has also received complaints.
'Wrong technology''Wrong technology'
John Murphy, Unite's regional officer, said: "The batteries just aren't fit for purpose. It's not that the technology isn't there it's just the wrong technology.John Murphy, Unite's regional officer, said: "The batteries just aren't fit for purpose. It's not that the technology isn't there it's just the wrong technology.
"Personally I think this stems from the rush to get through this vanity project."Personally I think this stems from the rush to get through this vanity project.
"They're not really a practical bus for London. The common practice now is to take the batteries out of the buses so effectively these very expensive environmentally friendly buses are just running on diesel.""They're not really a practical bus for London. The common practice now is to take the batteries out of the buses so effectively these very expensive environmentally friendly buses are just running on diesel."
These buses cost £354,000 - a normal hybrid off the peg costs about £300,000.These buses cost £354,000 - a normal hybrid off the peg costs about £300,000.
At the moment there are 500 operating on the roads. A further 300 will be on the road during 2016.At the moment there are 500 operating on the roads. A further 300 will be on the road during 2016.
These have been bought by TfL, not the bus companies.These have been bought by TfL, not the bus companies.
Some commuters love the look of them, others hate the stifling heat on the top deck that is yet to be resolved.Some commuters love the look of them, others hate the stifling heat on the top deck that is yet to be resolved.
Mr Daniels said: "An improved battery design was introduced on new deliveries and any older ones which fail are repaired or replaced. This has all been done by the manufacturers within the warranty period, at no cost to TfL, or the fare or tax payer." Mr Daniels said: "An improved battery design was introduced on new deliveries and any older ones which fail are repaired or replaced.
"This has all been done by the manufacturers within the warranty period, at no cost to TfL, or the fare or tax payer."