Clean Air Day: New electric buses already pulling their weight in carbon saving

Since we introduced our new electric buses in January, 1.5 million journeys have been taken on the zero emission vehicles, saving more than 500 tonnes of carbon emissions from polluting the atmosphere.

The amount of carbon emissions saved weighs as much as 40 double-decker electric buses or more than double the weight of the Angel of the North, the inspiration for our Angel 21 service.

Ben Gilligan, Managing Director, at Go North East, says: “It’s fantastic that our new electric buses have already hit the huge milestone of 1.5 million journeys. These new vehicles, along with the 18 that were already part of our fleet, are making a significant difference to the volume of carbon polluting our atmosphere and impacting air quality for North East communities.

“If you haven’t already travelled on our new electric buses, I’d really encourage you to make that first electric journey for Clean Air Day on 18 June.”

The 29 buses operate on three of the region’s busiest routes, Angel 21, X66 and service 58, and were built in the UK by manufacturers Alexander Dennis and Wrightbus.

The vehicles were backed by a £17 million joint investment from Go North East, the North East Combined Authority and the Department for Transport and were unveiled at a showstopping launch event in January at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle.

As well as being better for the environment, the new electric fleet includes a range of accessibility upgrades, such as audio-visual next-stop announcements, hearing loops and external sounders to alert pedestrians, helping to make bus travel more inclusive for everyone.