By Grace Cooper
A third of all First Bus Bramley buses will be fully electric by March 2024 thanks to a £29 million scheme.
Envevo, an electrical charge point installer, are currently preparing to start works that will see vehicle charging points implemented at the depot.
The work is should be finished by October with the first zero emission buses expected to be delivered in January 2024.
57 buses of all the First Bus vehicles will be electric, each saving approximately 60 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.
Simon Carlisle, Engineering Director of First North & West Yorkshire, said: “This is the beginning of a new future for the depot and our green transport revolution in Leeds.
“It is real evidence of our continuing successful partnership with West Yorkshire Combined-Authority in bringing major improvements to bus services and supporting a shared ambition for a net-zero transport system and reducing carbon emissions in the city.”
West Yorkshire Combined-Authority provided grants of £12.6 million for the work, with the Deputy Chair of its Transport Committee Councillor Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) saying they are delighted to secure funding for the project.
“This marks a huge step forward towards our goal of introducing more zero-emission buses to West Yorkshire, as we work to tackle the climate emergency and improve public transport,” said Cllr Carlill.
“Having more of these buses on our roads will particularly benefit those areas affected by low air quality, as well as help us to achieve our target of becoming net-zero by 2038 and encouraging more people to use public transport.”
A separate investment of £16.4 million was also provided for the project.
Heliox, a charging system company, are partnering with First Bus alongside Envevo, providing chargers that could charge one of the First Bus vehicles in 2.5 hours.
Heliox are also working at other First Bus depots and Senior Business Development Manager, Paul Middlemiss says they are “immensely proud” of their work with First Bus and that their partnership will leave “a lasting positive impact”.
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