First York will take delivery of 21 new electric double-deckers in October, making it one of the biggest electric ‘decker fleets outside of London.
In a partnership with City Council and with funding from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, First York has ordered 21 Metrodecker EVs from Optare for use on its park-and-ride services.
The full-electric buses have a range of 150 miles on one overnight charge, so won’t need recharging during the day.
First is also upgrading its charging infrastructure.
The vehicles will also have audio-visual next-stop technology, USB charging points and new-look Park & Ride branding.
York’s park-and-ride services have been operating with 12 electric single-deck Optare Versas for the last five years.
Marc Bichtemann, MD of First York, says: “The announcement showcases the benefits of partnership working in practice and we remain committed to investing in our bus services in York, as we share the same vision.
“By working together, local authorities and bus operators can make a real impact on congestion and air quality, provide better services for our customers, support local economies more effectively and, ultimately, help to increase passenger numbers.”
