Bus depot goes net zero with all-electric fleet

A York bus operator has announced one of its depots is among the first in the country to achieve net zero emissions.

First Bus unveiled the £23m electrification of its James Street site, hailing the milestone as a "major achievement".

The operator said it had reduced emissions by 90% since 2020, with its all-electric fleet of 86 vehicles saving around 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent every year.

City of York Council, which worked with First to secure green transport grants, said the electrified fleet and depot were a "huge help" towards York hitting its 2030 net zero target.

Only two diesel vehicles remain on the site, which are used for training.

The depot's gas supplies have been taken out, as has its diesel tank.

Andrew Cullen, First's managing director for North and West Yorkshire, said making the firm greener was a major part of its long-term strategy.

He said: "Passenger feedback is really good, the fact they're all brand new buses - they're lighter, airier, there are less vibrations and they're more comfortable to travel on."

Mr Cullen said First's work to reach net zero in York would now be shared with other depots across Yorkshire.

The operator switched on its first nine electric buses in August 2023, to kickstart its push to make the fleet fully electric.

It worked with the Liberal Democrat and Green coalition, which until May 2023 was running City of York Council, to secure multi million-pound government grants.

The nine buses were paid for with a £1.9m investment from the Department for Transport's Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (Zebra) project.

Labour took control of the council in May 2023.

Councillor Kate Ravilious said the authority was working with bus firms as part of its new transport strategy which includes a target to cut car and van use by a fifth by 2030.

Ms Ravilious, who is in charge of transport policy, said: "This is about making buses the convenient and obvious choice for getting around.

"This step towards electric buses is just part of the journey we're on - and it's a really fantastic and exciting step."

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