Cardiff Bus has placed an order for 36 Yutong battery-electric buses, which is believed by suppliers Pelican Bus & Coach to be the biggest single order placed outside of London to-date.
The E12 zero-emission buses will be on the roads in the city from the end of 2021 and it’s said will lead to a ‘transformation’ of how Cardiff’s bus network is delivered.
The investment is a collaboration between the bus company and its shareholder, Cardiff Council, after a successful bid for funding from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Ultra-Low Emissions Bus Scheme.
Following the successful bid, work commenced on an extensive evaluation exercise of the different vehicles available, alongside evaluating the supporting charging infrastructure.
Paul Dyer, Managing Director of Cardiff Bus, commented: “It’s fantastic news for both the Company and the city as whole. This further enshrines the fact that we are the city’s main bus operator, and a real cog in the wheel of city-life.
“There is a strong relationship between us and our customers, the residents of Cardiff, and we are recognised as one of the city’s critical assets, which we take extremely seriously in our goal to reach zero emissions. The city is rightly proud of its bus company, and the continued part it plays in city life. This has been further underscored in the last 12 months during the Coronavirus pandemic where we have helped the city keep moving in unprecedented times.
“This fantastic news really is a game-changer for the city, and when we look ahead this investment will play a huge role in not just keeping our city moving, but doing so in a green, and environmentally sustainable way. As well as the environmental credentials of the buses, they will also raise the standards of the onboard environment for our customers. This investment also fully supports the actions of both Cardiff Council and Welsh Government to improve air quality and make sustainable transport the future for mobility in the city.
“This is the start of our fleet modernisation plans and investment plans for the future, to make the company the most admired bus company in Wales and an asset to the City.
“Furthermore, it also shows that our stakeholders see us as a critical part of the future, and we have their support. This gives a huge boost to our dedicated team working hard at Cardiff Bus to keep the city moving. I pay tribute to all their efforts over the last 14 months since I joined the company. I know, that like myself, they are immensely proud of the job they do and to work for Cardiff Bus.”
Ian Downie, Head of Yutong Bus at Pelican Bus & Coach, said:“We are absolutely delighted and honoured to have received this award from Cardiff Bus. These state of the art, zero-emission vehicles will make a significant impact on transporting the citizens of Cardiff in enhanced comfort whilst improving air quality. We are looking forward to our partnership with Cardiff Bus to assist in generating a clean and sustainable transport system in Cardiff.”
