A major step towards sustainable transport with 15 new electric buses

Transdev is proud to announce a major step towards a greener future with the placement of a £7.5 million order for 15 new electric buses. This significant investment will convert one of the region’s busiest routes, The Shuttle, into a fully zero-emission service. With the support of £3.1 million from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) funding, it marks a major milestone in our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of public transport.

The order includes the purchase of 15 Mercedes-Benz E-Citaro all-electric single-deck buses, which are fully compliant with Bradford’s Clean Air Zone. As a result, it will improve air quality by limiting vehicle emissions in urban areas.

Clean air for Bradford and beyond

Since the implementation of the Clean Air Zone, Bradford has recorded its lowest level of air pollution. Moreover, with the addition of these new electric buses, we expect to see even further improvements in air quality. Particularly in high-traffic areas such as Bradford, Saltaire, Bingley, and Keighley.

The decision to invest in 15 electric vehicles follows successful trials of various all-electric bus models on the high-frequency Shuttle route, which operates every 15 minutes. They were also tested on other routes such as the busy North Yorkshire route 1, linking Harrogate and Knaresborough. These trials were designed to test the reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction of different electric buses. 

The new buses will feature advanced electric batteries, providing better power output, longer battery life, and reliable performance. In addition, the buses will travel farther between charges while maintaining the punctuality and reliability our customers expect.

A greener future for West Yorkshire’s Bus Network

The transition to electric buses is part of a larger initiative by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. It secured £24 million in Government funding to introduce zero-emission electric buses across West Yorkshire. This effort aligns with the region’s broader commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and achieving net-zero emissions by 2038.

Transdev will work closely with Mercedes-Benz engineers to ensure the team at our Keighley depot receives comprehensive training. We are excited to roll out these new vehicles and are also confident that they will provide a more sustainable travel option in West Yorkshire.

These buses reflect our ongoing commitment to sustainability and improving the customer experience across our bus networks. By embracing electric technology, we’re helping to create a cleaner and healthier environment. Additionally, we strive to maintain the high-quality service our passengers expect.