York has become the beneficiary of a new, state-of-the-art bus depot opened by Transdev.
Located in Rawcliffe on the city’s northern outskirts, the depot enhances local services while setting a benchmark in eco-friendly infrastructure.
Local services running under Transdev subsidiary York and Country, plus a small number of the operator’s Coastliner vehicles, will be stabled at the new site. It will also act as a base for vehicles operating under City Sightseeing York.
The completion marks the culmination of two years of work led by Transdev Operations Manager Kel Pizzuti. Boasting a 28% reduction in carbon emissions, the depot sees the integration of renewable energy sources, including solar panels and air source heat pumps, coupled with additional design to ensure energy efficiency. Biodiversity is encouraged through the inclusion of bird and bat nesting boxes and extensive planting.
Transdev’s new facility also features an in-house training academy designed to attract and nurture talent within its driving and engineering teams.
The site is prepared for future expansion, with light electric vehicle charging points and provisions for a complete electrification of Transdev’s bus fleet.
The opening was marked by a ceremony attended by local dignitaries, transport leaders, and community members, with Emily Pickard, creator of the York Mumbler parenting website, cutting the ribbon.
Transdev CEO Henri Rohard, who was present for the opening, says: “This represents a significant investment by Transdev in our future in York and North Yorkshire. It gives our people the best purpose-designed facilities to work with, and will help us to attract and retain the best people at this impressive new base which is ideally placed for future expansion.”
Andrew McGuinness, North of England Regional Manager for the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), was also present. He adds: “This is a clean, modern and above all sustainable development which is future ready as our industry moves to electric buses as the greener way to make public transport accessible for everyone.
“It’s clear that a great deal of planning and a massive team effort has gone into bringing this new facility to life. It demonstrates Transdev’s clear commitment to the city and people of York, and to the future of its bus network right across the region.”
