17 new electric buses added to fleet on its way to West Northamptonshire following Government funding
An additional 17 new electric buses will be added to the fleet on its way to West Northamptonshire.
Government funding of £2.2 million has added to the 54 electric buses already on the way to the area, bringing the total to 71.
According to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), the first of these electric vehicles will be ready to hit the streets soon.
A spokesman for WNC said: “These vehicles will replace some of the existing buses across Stagecoach’s fleet, helping cut harmful emissions and improve air quality.”
The buses will also initially be targeted towards areas of West Northamptonshire with the greatest challenges in terms of air quality, according to WNC.
Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said: “Buses are the backbone of our public transport system, and passengers in West Northamptonshire deserve a network they can rely on and be proud of.
“This funding will replace polluting diesel buses with new electric vehicles that will make a real difference to people's daily lives, better connecting them to work, to healthcare and to opportunity, whilst cleaning up the air we all breathe.”
Councillor Richard Butler, WNC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, added: “We are working closely with Stagecoach to ensure these vehicles can begin entering service as soon as possible.
“We know how important reliable, sustainable transport is for our communities, and we are committed to ensuring these new buses are on our streets and delivering benefits for passengers and the environment.”
Mark Whitelocks, managing director of Stagecoach Midlands, added that the buses will “improve passenger experience” and “reduce emissions”. He also said the company is “committed to investing in modern, low-emission vehicles”.