Transdev-owned Harrogate Bus Company has unveiled its
vision of creating a low emission bus town on the back of its commitment
to introducing eight full-electric Volvo 7900e buses which is due next
year. The electric bus investment is backed by £2.25million from the
OLEV Low Emission Bus Scheme, including £815,000 for the infrastructure
which comprises three opportunity charging points in Harrogate bus
station.
The electric fleet will operate on routes serving the
Bilton, Jennyfield and Pannal Ash areas of Harrogate. And the operator
is also investing £250,000 in retrofitting emission control systems on
buses serving Route 1 Harrogate-Starbeck-Knaresborough and will also
upgrade with new interiors featuring USB charging, fast wi-fi, countdown
to destination screens and audio visual announcements.
“We have a five year vision to transform the bus
experience in Harrogate,” says Alex Hornby, CEO, Transdev Blazefield.
“Our plans have the potential to grow usage by doing more of what
customers and non-users tell us they want.
“Creating a low-emission bus town, involving the
world-class development of new generation, 100% electric buses is just
one element of our strategy, which also includes further innovations in
ticketing and new standards in ride comfort including fleet-wide wi-fi,
USB charging and next-stop information.
“We are also keen to enhance our role in the borough by
developing advanced relationships with councils, employers, schools,
retailers and attractions, as well as improved integration with other
transport providers by bus, rail and air.
“This vision is all about us enhancing our quality offer,
that should reduce demand for the private car, meaning less congestion,
improved freedom of movement and a better environment across Harrogate
and beyond.”
One of Volvo’s 7900e electric buses which operate in Gothenburg was brought to Harrogate for the launch this week.
“These buses will help us to make Harrogate a UK leader in
clean, green public transport,” adds Hornby. “We’re delighted to
welcome a zero-emission 100 per cent electric Volvo bus, currently in
use in Gothenburg, to illustrate how these groundbreaking new vehicles
will set the pace for public transport in Harrogate.
“We’ve worked closely with Volvo on the specification for
these amazing new buses, which will be powered using three charging
units to be installed in Harrogate bus station. Each bus will receive
power from one of the overhead masts via a pantograph fitted on top of
the bus, enabling completely emission-free journeys from start to
finish.”
