Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner double-deckers.
First Bus together with City of York Council yesterday (Friday 25 August) ‘switched on’ a new fleet of zero emission buses for York in a transformation that will see its depot become one of the first outside London to be fully electric.
The nine buses are the first in an order of 53 StreetDeck Electroliner double-deckers and the single-decker GB Kite Electroliner, manufactured by Wrightbus in Ballymena.
Designed and built to minimise environmental impact, the buses also deliver the latest technology for both operating companies and passengers. Features include audio visual next stop technology, USB charging points and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The fleet represents a total investment by First Bus of £13m supported with £10.2m funding secured by City of York Council from the Government’s Zebra scheme.
Each bus will save up to 60 tonnes of carbon emissions a year, meaning an anticipated annual reduction of more than 3,000 tonnes of CO2 when the full fleet is in operation.
Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner double-decker.
Andrew Cullen, Managing Director of First Bus in North & West Yorkshire, said:
“An even greener transport revolution beckons in York and we are leading this change.
“We’re proud to unveil these latest zero emission buses and are confident they will appeal to our customers and attract more people to consider bus travel by realising the real impact this has in reducing congestion, creating cleaner air and supporting the York economy."
North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has welcomed the unveiling of the new Wrightbus-built electric buses in York this week.
The local MP said:
“I am delighted that buses produced in Ballymena will be on the streets of York as their preferred public transport solution.
"This zero-emission bus offering is now the market leader and a great choice for towns and cities around the world. The experience and skill of our local workforce is making a real difference and leading environmental change too in a practical manner.”