Pioneering plans to create Britain’s first low-emissions bus town – in Harrogate – have been unveiled.
The North Yorkshire spa town’s MP Andrew Jones welcomed the bold announcement by The Harrogate Bus Company as a “positive game changer” for public transport and the environment.
Work is underway to install revolutionary ‘next generation’ wireless charging points at Harrogate Bus Station, in preparation for the arrival of eight new pure-electric Volvo 7900 buses in the spring.
The new buses will enter service later this year on the town routes between and Bilton, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash, supported by more than £2m of Government funding.
The Harrogate Bus Company CEO Alex Hornby says: “We are on a mission to lead by example in our beautiful town by providing the lowest emission vehicles on our streets, and create one of the UK's first low emission bus towns.
“Rather than waiting for legislation to enforce this, which is coming in the next few years in neighbouring cities such as Leeds, we’re encouraging Harrogate to set a similar standard even sooner.
“We have already cleaned up our diesel buses, meaning these vehicles contribute 96% less nitrogen oxide emissions than previous buses, and less pollution than new diesel cars.
“But the centrepiece of our strategy is the forthcoming introduction of an industry-leading zero-emission electric fleet for the local Harrogate network, part of a £2m investment by Transdev.
Shatter perceptions
“We believe this will shatter any remaining negative perceptions of the bus and truly puts Harrogate and our high quality, low emission travel product on the map.”
Mr Jones says the announcement demonstrates The Harrogate Bus Company’s determination to work in partnership with the Government towards making its ambitious five-year vision for the town’s public transport a reality.
