First Bus has launched the roll-out of the biggest zero-emission park and ride fleet in the UK today.
The first of 21 new all-electric double-deckers have entered service on the York Park & Ride network, a partnership between First York and City of York Council, starting with the Askham Bar corridor to the south west of the city.
The full order of Metrodecker EVs, manufactured by Optare in Yorkshire, will be brought into operation this summer, replacing existing diesel vehicles in an investment totalling £9.3m and expanding the fully electric fleet on York Park & Ride to 33 buses.
According to First, each bus saves almost 1kg of carbon dioxide emissions for every kilometre travelled, which is estimated will mean a saving of 1.6 million tonnes of CO2 a year when the 21-bus Metrodecker fleet is complete.
The vehicles are the first to be introduced by First Bus since the company announced on 08 July its commitment to achieve a zero carbon fleet by 2035.
Marc Bichtemann, managing director of First York, said: “We’re proud to be the operator of the biggest zero-emission park and ride fleet in the country as we continue to partner with City of York Council to improve air quality in York.
“This is an important stage in our shared ambition to expand sustainable transport in the city. We are determined to attract more customers to using buses and realising the real impact this has in reducing congestion, creating cleaner air and supporting the local economy, not least as York continues its revival from the pandemic.”
The buses can carry 98 passengers (currently restricted due to social distancing) and have a range of 160 miles from one overnight charge, which means they can operate on the network all day without recharging. As part of the overall investment, First York has spent £1m upgrading the charging infrastructure at its James Street depot including a new electricity sub-station.
The vehicles, which feature new-look York Park & Ride branding and feature audio visual next stop technology, USB charging points and wi-fi connectivity, have been supported with £2.7m funding secured by City of York Council from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.
Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said: “This work builds on the £1.6 million investment already made to deliver York’s Clean Air Zone, the first voluntary Clean Air Zone in the UK. The new buses will play an essential part in delivering our bus-based Clean Air Zone, whilst at the same time providing an enhanced experience for users.”
Delivery of the fleet of 21 double-deckers is expected to be completed by the end of September.
