Bus operator Arriva has announced that it will be bringing 22 brand new electric double-decker buses to Leicester from October next year.
The zero-emission ‘Streetdeck Electroliner’ buses are the first electric double-deckers to ever be brought into service in the area, Arriva has said.
Arriva UK Bus and Leicester City Council have been working in partnership to make the project happen. The pair submitted a joint bid to the UK government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme and secured £11m to purchase the vehicles.
This follows a £9m grant from earlier this year, which was given for the procurement of 36 new ultra-low emission buses compliant with the most recent Euro VI ultra-low emissions standards. These buses are set to join Arriva Leicester’s fleet this Christmas.
Andrew Godley, commercial director for Arriva, said: “We’re delighted to be able to make such a strong investment into the Leicester bus network.
“We’re the largest bus operator in Leicester and are proud to be part of the Leicester Buses Partnership.”
Adam Clarke, councillor and deputy mayor, said: “This investment is another great step forward with the Leicester Buses Partnership.
“By the end of next year half of Leicester’s bus travel will be on quiet, electric, high-quality vehicles.
“These will be complemented by more bus lanes, shelters and information displays, together with contactless ‘best value’ fare capping. A congestion-busting green travel solution, accessible to everyone.”
The bus company claims this £20m investment will support its ambitions to develop and decarbonise its Leicester fleet and that it builds upon millions of pounds of its own prior investments.
