The first batch of electric double-decker buses in Guangzhou [Photohang Xuhua]
The city’s first batch of fully electric double-decker buses were unveiled in Huangpu on June 24th, which is one of the measures Guangzhou is taking to improve air quality.
The 20 buses are owned by Guangzhou Jumbo and will run Route 333, a sightseeing route operating between Daguan Bei Road North (Daguan Wetland Park) and Luogang Xiangxue.
The on board USB charging port [Photo provided to Newsgd.com]
According to Guangzhou Jumbo, each bus costs more than 2 million yuan (3-4 times higher than the price of a regular bus) and is ready equipped with a variety of features, such as 18 on board USB charging ports as well as special areas and facilities for the disabled.
The data recording system [Photo provided to Newsgd.com]
Meanwhile, these buses adopt cutting-edge security technology, such as a 360-degree data recording system which is able to monitor the areas around the whole bus.
Compared to conventionally powered buses, the electric buses have zero pollution, are less noisy, highly energy efficient, and easier to maintain. Huangpu district has put roughly 600 electric buses into use since last year, and plans to increase this number by 780 in the second half of 2018. It’s anticipated that the district will have replaced all its diesel buses by the end of September.
In addition, Huangpu plans to build a tram network as another environmental friendly transport method. The first line started construction in October last year and will be completed in 2020 while the second one will have broken ground by the end of this year.
The Huangpu government is investing 30 billion yuan in developing the tram network over the next three years so as to provide its residents with sophisticated “Metro+Tram” services.
Reported by Jasmine Yin, Huang Yuhui
Edited by Olivia Ouyang, Simon Haywood
