In partnership with Wrightbus, Arriva is trialling a fully electric bus in Leicester. Over a nine-day period, the company has been putting a WrightBus Electroliner to the test on routes across the city, in preparation for an initial fleet of 22 electric buses which the firm expects to start operating in Leicester from 2023. The new fleet is being made possible by the support of Leicester City Council in securing around £10m in funding from the Department of Transport.
Andrew Godley, Commercial Director for Arriva, said: “Our mission is to become the leading passenger transport partner and we believe that electric buses are integral to making that a reality. This is a very exciting time for Arriva and we’re working closely with Leicester City Council, building on our newly formed Leicester Buses Partnership, in order to help Leicester City Council deliver on its sustainable strategic vision. We were pleased to have Councillor Adam Clarke, Deputy Mayor, join us on board our maiden journey.
“In recent years we have already invested significantly in upgrading our Leicester fleet to Euro VI low-emission engines. This exciting progression towards electric vehicles is new for Arriva in Leicester so securing a demonstrator vehicle will give us valuable insight. Through this nine-day trial, we’ll be putting the electric bus through its paces so we can see what it’s like to drive and maintain.”
The WrightBus Electroliner was placed in service from Tuesday 31 May, and operated on routes 47, 48, 50 and 51.
