A total of 44 electric buses have been ordered for York – the largest single investment of its kind outside London.
First Bus has placed an order for 44 buses for the city with UK manufacturer Wrightbus.
Over the next two years, York will receive 24 single deck GB Kite Electroliners and 20 double deck StreetDecks.
This will more than double the number of electric buses in use in the York area, helping to improve air quality by reducing diesel exhaust emissions.
The new buses will also save nearly 2,700 tonnes of CO2 every year.
The £18 million investment comes from the funding secured by City of York Council from the Department for Transport’s zero emission bus regional area scheme.
“These buses represent a great step towards providing clean, zero emission public transport across the city,” said Cllr Andy D’Agorne, the council’s executive member for transport.
“This is fundamental to achieving the city’s carbon reduction goals, and clean air policy.”
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Ian Humphreys, managing director of First York, said: “This multi-million pound order is further evidence of our commitment to net-zero carbon transport and sets us on a clear path to full electrification of our bus fleet in York.
“It builds on our shared ambition with City of York Council to significantly reduce carbon and other particulate emissions and create cleaner air in the city.
“The models we have selected will enhance the journey experience for customers and we look forward to the first vehicles operating on the network next year.”