Go North East, the region’s largest bus company, has announced a £12 million investment in 54 high-specification environmentally-friendly buses to help revolutionise bus travel across the region.
The order includes the region’s first latest generation zero-emissions full electric single-deck buses, with 9 now confirmed from the world’s largest electric bus manufacturer, Yutong, as well as 34 of the latest low-emission Euro 6 engined double-deck buses and 11 single-deck buses from UK based manufacturers Wrightbus and Alexander Dennis Limited.
The buses will start to enter service from September, with the electric buses arriving in July next year. The double-deckers will be part of the bus operator’s recently announced ‘X-lines’ concept for its fastest and most direct commuter and express traveller services into the North East’s cities including Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland.
Many of Tthe buses will feature comfortable high-backed seating, modern coffee shop style interiors with tables, at-seat USB charging points, free Wi-Fi and next stop audio and visual passenger information systems.
Commenting on the investment, Martijn Gilbert, Go North East’s Managing Director, said, “We’re delighted to be bringing these buses into the Go North East fleet and further improving services for our customers.
“We have worked with the manufacturers to develop a class leading specification that will help revolutionise local bus travel on our services, helping to make them an even more viable alternative to many car journeys.
“If we are serious about improving air quality then we have to properly embrace public transport and tackle rising congestion. These buses represent a major investment from us as we continue to play our part in supporting the mass mobility and connectivity of the communities we serve by providing high quality, dependable and green public transport services.”
