Work has commenced this week to transform the First Bus depot in Bramley, Leeds into a fully electric fleet. Envevo, the contracted company, has begun preparations to install the necessary power charging and infrastructure to accommodate zero emission buses. The delivery of the electric buses is expected to begin in January 2022.
Upon completion, one-third of the First Bus fleet at Bramley, totaling 57 buses, will be fully electric by March 2024. This transition will result in an annual reduction of approximately 60 tonnes of carbon emissions per bus.
The conversion has been made possible through a combination of £12.6m in grants secured by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority from the Department for Transport Zebra scheme, with additional support from First Bus, and a separate investment of £16.4m by the operator.
Simon Carlisle, the engineering director of First North & West Yorkshire, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “This is the beginning of a new future for the depot and our green transport revolution in Leeds. It is real evidence of our continuing successful partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority in bringing major improvements to bus services and supporting a shared ambition for a net-zero transport system and reducing carbon emissions in the city.”
During a visit to the depot, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee Cllr Peter Carlill commented on the significance of the transformation, saying, “This marks a huge step forward towards our goal of introducing more zero-emission buses to West Yorkshire, as we work to tackle the climate emergency and improve public transport. Having more of these buses on our roads will particularly benefit those areas affected by low air quality, as well as help us to achieve our target of becoming net-zero by 2038 and encouraging more people to use public transport. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure funding for this project, which will see further investment into zero-emission buses and support us in becoming a brighter, greener, and better-connected West Yorkshire.”
Paul Middlemiss, Senior Business Development Manager at Heliox, a company working on similar projects at other First Bus depots, expressed pride in their partnership with First Bus, emphasizing their commitment to sustainability and innovation in public transportation. Middlemiss stated, “This partnership is proof of our commitment to innovation and progress, leaving a lasting positive impact on the communities First Bus serves.”
These efforts align with the broader initiative to promote a greener and more sustainable transportation system, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in Bramley, Leeds.
