Harrogate Unveils New Electric Buses for Travelers
Harrogate Bus Company has launched a new fleet of Alexander Dennis Enviro 400EV double-decker buses, set to improve travel on route 36, connecting Harrogate with Leeds and Ripon. The new buses feature a modern design and advanced amenities aimed at enhancing the travel experience for visitors and locals alike.
In addition to these double-deckers, the company introduced 20 zero-emission Mercedes-Benz eCitaro single-deck buses. These will soon serve routes 1, 7, and 24, which cover areas between Harrogate, Knaresborough, Wetherby, Leeds, and Pateley Bridge. The new buses are part of an effort to offer more sustainable and comfortable public transport options.
Eighty percent of the components in these buses are produced in the UK or Europe. OGL Construction, a Yorkshire-based company, has installed charging facilities at the Starbeck depot and Harrogate Bus Station, ensuring the new fleet is well-supported. The buses are designed to handle intensive use, with existing buses on route 36 covering over 100,000 kilometers annually.
This project was made possible through a £7.8 million grant from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas fund (ZEBRA), with additional investment from North Yorkshire Council. The development and implementation of these buses took three years to complete.
For travelers, the new Enviro 400EV buses offer several safety and comfort features. They include digital electronic rear-view cameras for better visibility, a unique seating layout, and wireless mobile device charging. The lower deck is designed with high-visibility flooring and lighting, making it more accessible for all passengers, including those with disabilities.
Yorkshire disability rights campaigner Flick Williams highlighted the new buses' accessibility features during the Harrogate launch, noting improvements for wheelchair users and visually impaired passengers.
The Harrogate Bus Company expects to start operating the Enviro 400EV buses on route 36 in September, with the single deck eCitaro buses entering service simultaneously. These new buses will complement the existing fleet of eight Volvo 7900E electric single-deck buses introduced in 2018, providing a more sustainable and comfortable travel option for everyone visiting or commuting in Harrogate.