In marking Clean Air Day on 15 June, National Express West Midlands (NEWM) has highlighted it expects to have 180 zero-emission buses in operation by this summer.
The operator, which already has more than 100 fully electric and 20 hydrogen double-decker buses in service, calculates that, alongside its future commitments in this area, it will save nearly 12,000 tonnes of carbon per year by the coming months.
In January, National Express announced it was investing £150 million in 300 electric buses for the West Midlands by the end of 2024. Additional funds will be allocated to charging infrastructure at its depots.
David Bradford, Managing Director of National Express West Midlands, says: “Buses are the most used form of transport here in the West Midlands. Not only do our bus services play a key role in keeping people connected, they are also critical to keeping our air clean by driving down harmful emissions.
“It’s worth remembering that one double-decker bus can take up to 75 cars off the road. Clean Air Day is the perfect opportunity to remind ourselves of the simple choices we can make to protect our health and that of the planet.
“Getting more people to ditch their cars and switch to the bus is vital to tackling climate change and we’re proud to be leading the way with more and more sustainable transport choices for our new and existing customers.”
