Electric double-decker bus trial in Leeds

First Leeds has launched its trial of a new fully electric double-decker bus, following a successful trial in York.

The zero-emission and fully electric ‘Metrodecker EV’ has the capacity to carry 99 passengers and has a range of nearly 150 miles from one overnight charge, and is being trialled as part of First Leeds’s commitment to investing £71 million in 284 new ultra-low emissions buses for the city.

Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “As part of our new transport strategy for Leeds we are committed to not only offering the best possible public transport for the city but also doing everything we can to improve our air quality. Working with First Leeds and the other bus operators we are focused on making that happen so this new zero emissions vehicle is just the start with much more to follow.”

Keith Wakefield, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport chair, added: “The Combined Authority is committed to improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions across West Yorkshire and is, through the Bus 18 initiative, working with the county’s main bus operators on the introduction of cleaner buses. We are also committed to monitoring the development of electric vehicle technology, such as we are seeing today and I am pleased that this ground-breaking bus has been developed by a Leeds City Region company, Optare.”