In a bold stride towards sustainability, The Harrogate Bus Company, operated by Transdev, is set to revamp its bus fleet in the Harrogate region. With an infusion of £21 million, including a £7.8 million grant from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, the company is poised to redefine eco-friendly transportation.
Supported by the North Yorkshire Council, The Harrogate Bus Company secured a spot among twelve successful bidders for the ZEBRA scheme, aligning with the nationwide goal of introducing 4,000 zero-emission buses by 2025. This move drew praise from Roads Minister Richard Holden, who highlighted the scheme’s £330 million investment in non-London zero-emission buses.
The substantial investment enables The Harrogate Bus Company to order 39 new electric buses from Daimler Truck and Alexander Dennis. This follows successful trials of various electric bus models on Harrogate routes, including the Bradford to Keighley shuttle.
Expected next spring, the fleet will see the integration of 20 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro single-deck and 19 Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV double-deck buses, supplementing the eight Volvo 7900E buses already in service. The amalgamation of these vehicles will bolster the Harrogate fleet to 47 electric buses.
The upcoming electric buses will be strategically deployed. The eCitaro buses will serve key routes such as Harrogate – Knaresborough, Harrogate – Leeds, and the rural Harrogate – Pateley Bridge route. On the other hand, the Enviro400EV double-deckers (of the ADL model) will dominate the flagship Route 36 connecting Ripon, Harrogate, and Leeds.
Henri Rohard, Transdev Managing Director, highlighted the comprehensive fleet renewal that will enhance passenger experiences and modernize services. Furthermore, The Harrogate Bus Company is enhancing recharging infrastructure to accommodate the buses’ extended range. Buses will utilize top-up charges at Harrogate Bus Station, effectively extending their daily coverage beyond traditional electric buses’ limits.
Cllr Keane Duncan, North Yorkshire Council’s Executive Member for Highways and Transport, expressed delight in the transformative impact of government funding. He praised the positive shift in local bus travel, underscoring the collective commitment towards a greener future.
