Arriva has launched 22 hybrids across the north of England.
12 of the Wright-bodied Volvo B5Ls will be hitting the streets of Leeds, Garforth, Kippax and Castleford, with 10 more seeing service in Blyth, Whitley Bay, Coast Road and Newcastle.
The introduction of the hybrid buses are part of a successful bid to the government’s Green Bus Fund. The buses will operate on the 163 and 166 routes in Yorkshire and the 308 route in the North East, representing an investment of £6m.
The buses were given a mad scientist-themed launch, which hosted the premiere of the Frankenbus ‘It’s alive, it’s electric’ videos, staring local people and local business along the routes. The launch was aided by Arriva’s ‘street scientist friends’ and local children.
A mail shot has been sent to over 50,000 homes along the bus routes, with a special ‘It’s alive, It’s electric’ wrist band and money off vouchers.
Nigel Featham, Arriva Yorkshire & Arriva NE MD, said: “Hopefully this investment will encourage more people to travel by bus.” View the launch videos at www.youtube.com/user/ArrivaUKBus
