First electric bus route in Leeds to launch in early October

Connecting Leeds have shared some exciting news in the September edition of their monthly update:

“The first electric bus route in Leeds will be launched in early October.

Nine Electric Buses supplied by Chinese manufacturer Yutong are now being prepared at local importer and distributor Pelican Bus & Coach, based at Castleford.

The full-electric, single deck bus will serve customers on Route 5 between Leeds and Halton Moor incorporating the Leeds CityBus link connecting key locations around the city centre.

This exciting news has been the result of a strong partnership between First Bus, Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the supplier together with part-funding through a DfT Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) grant.

The investment is part of the shared commitment to transform bus travel in Leeds with new, cleaner buses supported by new infrastructure to improve bus punctuality. The partnership has meant that communities across Leeds have now benefitted from the introduction of over 150 low emission Euro VI buses that have already had a very positive impact on air quality. The welcome features of free wi-fi, USB charging ports and audio-visual ‘next stop’ announcements will also be available on the new electric buses.

This is just the start of our journey to a low carbon future and follows the recent announcement from First Bus that they will purchase no diesel buses after 2022 and will move to zero-emissions by 2035.

Whilst the current safety and social-distancing measures will continue across the fleet, we will be celebrating the introduction of the electric buses with partners. Further information will be provided in due course on the launch of this fantastic development for the region.

For further information on how we have worked successfully in partnership with bus operators in Leeds, read this blog from Martin Hirst (Commercial Director for First West Yorkshire & First York).”