The Deutsche Bahn subsidiary has placed an order with Wrightbus following a trial earlier this year
In a first for Leicester, Arriva has announced that it will be bringing 22 new electric double-deck buses to the city. The zero-emission Wrightbus Electroliners will be introduced to the streets of Leicester from October next year, and will be the city’s first electric double deckers as well as being Arriva’s first electric double deckers outside of London.
The landmark moment for the city’s transport network has been made possible thanks to the ongoing partnership between Arriva UK Bus and Leicester City Council. The operator and the local authority made a successful joint bid through the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme to unlock the £11m of green investment required to purchase the buses.
That investment comes on top of the £9m spent on 36 new Euro VI diesel buses which were due to be delivered to Arriva Leicester’s fleet this Christmas. Together, Arriva said the £20m investment represents a significant step in its commitment to developing and decarbonising its fleet in Leicester and builds investment it has made in upgrading its Leicester fleet to Euro VI emissions standards.
Commercial Director at Arriva Andrew Godley said: “We’re delighted to be able to make such a strong investment into the Leicester bus network. This is another first for Arriva in the city following our first to market launch of the multi-operator tap-on, tap-off capping scheme.”
“We’re the largest bus operator in Leicester and are proud to be part of the Leicester Buses Partnership. Our comprehensive network of services in Leicester is the best way to get around the city, whether you’re a young person using our term or academic year season tickets, an adult using tap-on, tap-off best value capping, or a retiree using a concessionary bus pass.”
Leicester’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Adam Clarke, added: “This investment is another great step forward with the Leicester Buses Partnership. By the end of next year half of Leicester’s bus travel will be on quiet, electric, high-quality vehicles. These will be complemented by more bus lanes, shelters and information displays, together with contactless ‘best value’ fare capping. A congestion-busting green travel solution, accessible to everyone.”
