Go North East (GNE) marked Clean Air Day by celebrating its contribution to improving the region’s air quality and repeating its reassurance that bus travel is safe, clean and essential to reducing congestion and improving air quality.
In recent weeks, the company has started to take delivery of further high-specification, low-emission buses that will help revolutionise travel across the region, and the operator’s first latest generation, zero-emissions, full electric buses are also set to enter service at the end of next month, operating around Newcastle and Gateshead.
The company stressed the importance of using public transport to help reduce congestion and improve air quality. At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, air pollution monitoring stations in Newcastle belonging to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs showed significant reductions in nitrogen dioxide corresponding with the decline in traffic volumes on the region’s roads, all whilst most bus services continued to operate.
GNE said that this demonstrated the immediate benefit to air quality, a 46% decrease in nitrogen oxides, that can result from fewer car journeys being made on our roads.
Commenting on the company’s recent investments and air quality improvements, Go North East’s Managing Director, Martijn Gilbert, said: “We’re delighted to introduce these high-specification buses across the region, helping revolutionise bus travel for the people of the North East, making them an even more viable alternative to many car journeys.
“We’re excited to welcome the region’s first latest generation, zero-emissions, full electric buses next month, and if we’re serious about improving air quality, public transport needs to be better supported and fully embraced by more people.”
