ANOTHER 64 buses are being rolled out in Coventry next year, moving the council closer towards its target of being the UK’s first all-electric bus fleet.
It is part of a £140million project, reinforcing Stagecoach’s commitment to run zero-emission buses on its services.
This advance means that more than 200 buses, 80 per cent of all those operating within and travelling into the city, will now be electric battery powered.
Thirty-one double decker buses have been built by British manufacturer Alexander Dennis, with 33 single-deckers from Pelican Yutong and are expected to be in service by next spring.
The new buses will be the equivalent of taking the emissions of 14,000 cars off the roads of Coventry.
The funding to support the ambitions is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, which was awarded £50million of funding from the Department of Transport.
Councillor George Duggins, leader of Coventry City Council, said: “We’re delighted to be another step closer to being the first major city or town in the country to boast a fully electric bus fleet.
“Once the project is complete, Coventry residents will benefit from much cleaner air, with the obvious benefits of better health for young and old alike while the city will be served by some of the most modern buses in the UK.”
Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, added: “This combined investment by Stagecoach and the public sector is going to make a huge difference to people’s journeys in and around Coventry.
“It not only means that people, including cyclists and pedestrians, are breathing cleaner air but bus passengers are travelling in comfort in brand new vehicles making it a more attractive, affordable and greener way to get around the city.”
Mark Whitelocks, Stagecoach midlands managing director said he is thrilled to announce the investment of over £33million on the buses and supporting infrastructure at the depots.
“These buses mark a massive moment for the region as we take a huge step towards modernising our services as we provide customers with more comfortable journeys on these state-of-the-art buses as well as contributing to making cleaner, quieter neighbourhoods and a public transport that is more sustainable and efficient.”
