UK bus operator Go North East has unveiled 29 new electric double-decker buses for deployment on three of the North East’s busiest routes, supported by a £17 million joint investment involving regional and national authorities.
The funding package includes contributions from Go North East, the North East Combined Authority, and the Department for Transport, with more than £7 million provided by the UK government.
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All 29 vehicles are UK-built electric double-deckers supplied by Wrightbus. Charging infrastructure has been installed at Go North East’s Riverside depot in partnership with Northern Powergrid.
The new buses are scheduled to enter passenger service over the coming weeks. They will operate on routes linking Newcastle and Durham on the Angel 21, Gateshead and the Metrocentre on the X66, and Newcastle, Heworth and the Follingsby employment area on service 58.
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North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said the rollout represents a significant expansion of electric bus use in the region and aligns with longer-term plans to reduce reliance on diesel-powered vehicles.
The electric fleet is intended to reduce noise and eliminate tailpipe emissions while improving the passenger experience. Accessibility features include audio-visual next-stop announcements, hearing loops and external sounders designed to improve safety for pedestrians.
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Nigel Featham, managing director of Go North East, said the new buses would improve air quality and offer a more modern travel experience on high-demand routes.
UK Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said the project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to support greener public transport and reduce emissions from bus networks.