Four new BYD Alexander Dennis electric buses are to enter service on a city centre shuttle service in Sheffield
Sheffield City Council and South Pennine Community Transport have launched four new BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV electric buses destined for use on a free city centre circular shuttle service. From Monday 8 April the buses will replace existing low-floor Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses on the Sheffield Connect service, which connects key locations in the city centre, including tram stops and the railway and bus stations. The upgraded service will run every seven to eight minutes, seven days a week, with a new second route added linking the city’s The Moor and Castlegate districts with West Bar. The new route will operate every 20 minutes.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee, said: “This is an important and exciting moment in the history of Sheffield. Not only are we introducing the city’s first zero-emissions buses to our streets, but a service that is completely free for people to use.
“Sheffield Connect will make getting around the city centre so easy, making the city centre more accessible for everyone and providing residents and visitors with a quick, easy and zero emission way to travel.”
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: “We’re delighted to see the very first fully electric buses arrive in South Yorkshire. They are just the first of many that will start operating in the region over the next few weeks, with the support of the Mayoral Combined Authority. Electric vehicles are critical to decarbonising our bus fleet, achieving our net zero ambitions, and improving air quality for South Yorkshire’s residents.
“Sheffield Connect, along with the brand-new second service, is not only fantastic news for passengers and those looking to get around our amazing city centre, but it will also help to support the economy allowing people to shop, eat, drink and relax more easily.
“Sheffield is a city on the up and these brand-new electric buses prove that we are committed and fully focused on making it as easy as possible for people to experience everything the city centre has to offer. But this is just the start, we have other brilliant plans for our public transport network right across the city as we work to give Sheffielders the network they and the city deserves for decades to come.”
The buses are operated by Honley-based South Pennine Community Transport, which recently opened a new depot in Sheffield. “This is a really exciting time for the staff at South Pennine, having the opportunity to drive the very first new zero-emission buses in Sheffield and to also act as ambassadors for the city going forward,” said Business Manager Claire Wardle.
Service Delivery Manager Richard Clegg added: “The new electric buses for the Sheffield Connect are a massive step forward for the city and South Pennine. Not only for the environment and air quality of the city centre but also providing a more frequent bus service for a growing city with a friendly service at the heart of it all.”
