Summary
– First Bus and West Yorkshire Combined Authority are investing £11.2m in the Bramley depot to make half the fleet zero emission by 2024
– A further £3.4m has been secured from the DfT ZEBRA project to support this initiative
– First Bus is adding 22 double-decker electric buses to bring the total to 79 at the depot
– This investment is part of a goal to make West Yorkshire a net zero economy by 2038 and improve public transport
– The current fleet of 57 electric buses saves 4,275 equivalent tonnes of carbon annually
Article
First Bus and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) have announced a significant £11.2m investment in the operator’s Bramley depot to make half of the fleet zero emission by the end of 2024. With support from First Bus, WYCA secured £3.4m in funding from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) project. First Bus is contributing £7.8m to introduce 22 more double-decker electric buses, bringing the total at the depot to 79. This investment follows the successful launch of the depot in March, which now houses the largest fleet of zero emission buses in West Yorkshire.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee’s Deputy Chair, Cllr Peter Carlill, highlighted the importance of these state-of-the-art electric buses in achieving the region’s goal of becoming a net zero economy by 2038. The investment will help improve air quality, enhance public transport, and address the climate emergency. Megan Hope, Operations Director of First Bus in North & West Yorkshire, emphasized the partnership’s role in creating green jobs and supporting the community. The councillors for Bramley and Stanningley Ward, Tom Hinchcliffe and Kevin Ritchie, expressed their satisfaction with the investment, noting the positive impact on air quality, health, and public transport network in the area.
The current fleet of 57 electric buses, comprising single-decker and double-decker models, entered service in March and are manufactured by Wrightbus in Northern Ireland. These buses boast features such as audiovisual next stop technology and USB charging points. Each bus is estimated to save approximately 75 tonnes of CO2e per year, resulting in a total annual reduction of 4,275 equivalent tonnes of carbon emissions. First Bus has received positive feedback from customers regarding the electric buses, believing that they will attract more people to consider bus travel by showcasing the benefits of reducing congestion, creating cleaner air, and quieter streets.
The investment in the Bramley depot represents a significant step towards a greener and better-connected West Yorkshire. The collaboration between First Bus and WYCA aims to introduce more zero-emission buses to the region’s fleet, aligning with the shared ambition of achieving a net-zero transport system and reducing carbon emissions in the city. The councillors commended the efforts to enhance the public transport network and support climate targets, emphasizing the importance of clean air for health and well-being. The support from WYCA Mayor in securing funding for the electric buses was also acknowledged, demonstrating a commitment to positive change in the local area.
Overall, the investment in electric buses at the Bramley depot signifies a commitment to sustainability, improved air quality, and increased public transport accessibility in West Yorkshire. The expansion of the electric bus fleet will contribute to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the overall transportation experience for residents. The partnership between First Bus and WYCA exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges and promoting a greener future for the region. With continued investment and support, the transition to zero-emission buses is expected to have a lasting impact on the community, supporting a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation system.
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