Designer Outlet route is next to become all-electric
The zero emission bus fleet on the York Park & Ride network, a partnership between First York and City of York Council, expands this week with the arrival of a further four Metrodecker EVs.
Two of the all-electric vehicles will begin operating on the Service 7 Designer Outlet corridor from Monday 24 August. It brings the total of new buses to seven with five now completing the Askham Bar route, which launched at the end of July.
Marc Bichtemann, Managing Director of First York, said: “We’ve had a tremendous reaction from customers to our new buses, which combine supreme comfort with in-travel features such as Wi-Fi and USB charging to provide a great journey experience.
“The fleet will continue to increase over the coming weeks to deliver our shared ambition to expand sustainable transport in the city. This will help to create cleaner air for York, reduce congestion and continue to support the revival of the local economy as more people return to public transport for work and leisure.”
A total of 21 Metrodecker EVs, manufactured by Optare in Yorkshire, will be brought into operation this summer, replacing existing diesel vehicles in an investment totalling £9.3m and expanding the fully electric fleet on York Park & Ride to 33 buses, making it the biggest zero emission park & ride fleet in the country.
Councillor Andy D’Agorne, Executive Member for Transport, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the new additions to York’s zero emission bus fleet. These Park & Ride buses will play a major role in continuing to improve the air quality in York, as well as giving an increasing number of passengers a safe, quick journey across the city.”