£6m fleet of new electric buses ready for the road in Blyth area
A major bus firm is investing over £6m in 14 electric buses as it aims to bringing cleaner, quieter journeys to passengers in Blyth and the surrounding area.
Arriva says the £6.1m investment in a new fleet marks a major boost to local public transport as they replace older diesel buses and deliver a step-change in how customers travel.
The move is also a step towards North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ aim to electrify the region’s entire bus fleet in the next decade.
The new vehicles will serve Routes 43, 44 and 45 – linking Morpeth, and Dinnington to Newcastle.
The new buses are part-funded through government investment with the North East Combined Authority, in supporting the roll out of zero emission transport.
The new buses are being introduced as part of a wider £37m investment to transform Arriva’s North East operations which will see one third of the fleet as brand new buses, along with refurbishments to some existing vehicles and improvements to depot facilities.
Martijn Gilbert, Arriva UK bus managing director, said: “The investment in these state-of-the-art electric buses is a clear sign of our confidence in Northumberland and our determination to provide the kind of modern, sustainable transport that our customers deserve.
“Customers will have smoother, quieter and cleaner journeys, making public transport an even more sustainable choice.”
He added: “Our drivers will benefit from working with the very best vehicles, and our engineers have been specially trained to maintain and manage this new electric fleet.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “People in Blyth, Morpeth and Dinnington will soon be able to enjoy cleaner, quieter and more comfortable journeys but I’ve been clear we need to see every bus in our region electric within the next decade.
“However, with nearly 100 electric buses in the North East, fare prices capped through The Mayor’s Fares and more people using the bus, we’re doing what we can to give our communities a better service.”
She added: "Local people in the North East deserve nothing less than world-class public transport and this latest investment is another important step forward.”