A £3m Arriva bus depot has been opened in Rhyl that reduces energy use by 60%.
The Denbighshire depot was opened by Ken Skates, AM – Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, on Thursday, March 2, after 12 months in construction.
The eco-friendly depot features a solar powered PV (Photovoltaic) system, helping to power the LED lights throughout the whole facility with renewable energy. The sunny weather will also light the depot through the large sky lights, ensuring that use of electric lighting will be reduced.
In keeping with the ‘waste-not-want-not’ ethos, the operator has invested in a bus washing machine with a water recycling system. At the opening event, The Minister and guests were treated to a tour of the prototype of the ‘New Bus for Wales’ Sapphire double-decker. A fleet of 13 will be on the roads of Wrexham by May 2017.
The opening also introduced guests to the new ONEArriva initiative at Ryhl Interchange, launched in partnership with Denbighshire County Council. This will see integrated ticketing between Arriva Trains Wales and Arriva Buses Wales.
Arriva Buses Wales Managing Director, Michael Morton, said: “The opening of Rhyl Depot is a real milestone in our efforts to take environmentally-friendly action and look for new ways of reducing Arriva’s impact on the planet’s resources, as part of our wider strategy with Destination Green.
“We are very proud of the finished project and are committed to providing quality services, not only for our customers but for our staff so they can continue to thrive in Wales.”
