Cardiff Bus has unveiled its new zero-emissions buses that are set to operate across the city.
The new fleet of 36 electric buses was unveiled at a launch event in the city centre on Friday, January 14. The Yutong E12 zero-emission single-decker buses were unveiled as Cardiff Bus strives towards reducing emissions and air pollution in Cardiff.
The new buses now account for 24% of Cardiff Bus’ fleet of vehicles.
The buses, which have wifi and are air conditioned, are also set to provide a quieter ride for customers. Each bus has ‘next stop’ audio and visual announcements and USB ports for customers.
The buses are set to save 650,000 tonnes over the lifetime of their operation, which is expected to be 12 to 15 years.
The buses arrived in Cardiff in mid-December with the first batch of buses going out to Llanrumney and St Mellons. By the end of January Cardiff Bus expects to have the 36 buses out to service three routes across the city.
Paul Dyer, managing director of Cardiff Bus said: “We take our role in improving the air quality in Cardiff very seriously and we know that this development is going to be instrumental in ensuring city life can continue in a more green and sustainable fashion.
“I’d like to thank those involved in the project thus far and our drivers, engineers, and all support staff who have played a key part in getting these new buses onto the streets of our city.”
The investment is a collaboration between Cardiff Bus and shareholder Cardiff council after a successful bid for funding from the Department for Transport’s ultra-low emissions bus scheme.
Cllr Caro Wild, cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, said: “These modern vehicles will significantly improve the customer experience and are great for the environment as they produce zero exhaust emissions and reduce noise pollution as well.
“We know from our own research that people are genuinely excited about electric buses coming to Cardiff so now that they are here we hope that as many people will use them as possible.”
Source: Walesonline.co.uk
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