Operator to take another delivery of ultra-low emission vehicles in January 2019
First Leeds will have delivered over a third of its £71m investment in new ultra-low emission vehicles for the city by next month, it has been announced.
In December 2017, First Leeds announced it would invest in 284 new vehicles, as part of its commitment to provide new ultra-low emission vehicles for the city by 2020.
Over a third of the operators 284 vehicles will have been delivered by January 2019, with 47 vehicles introduced in 2018 and 58 due to arrive by January 2019.
The £71m investment is running in parallel to a citywide strategy to encourage behaviour change – making public transport a more attractive option to reduce car use, and overall emissions levels to improve air quality.
It’s hoped the investments made to enhance the customer offer in Leeds will help reach the target of doubling bus patronage over 10 years.
Paul Matthews, MD at First Leeds, says: “We are committed to reducing vehicle emissions to improve air quality in Leeds and we’re delighted to have delivered a third of the new vehicles already.
“Improving air quality is a huge priority and the investment in ultra-low emission demonstrates First Leeds’ commitment.
The new vehicles include next-stop audio announcements, USB-charging points and free wi-fi.
Mr Matthews adds: “It’s important that we continue to work with our partners to promote the benefits of bus travel and encourage people to switch from travelling by car to bus, as one double-decker can take 75 cars off the road.”
