Transport operator’s investment in city tops £40m as more buses introduced

First West Yorkshire has integrated the largest single group of new ultra-low emission vehicles into its fleet in the latest phase of the company’s £71m investment to improve services across Leeds.

This week, the company reached its target of introducing more than 60 Euro 6-engine buses into operation on routes running east-west. A remaining 13 buses will complete its current order and are set to be brought in over the coming months.

Simon Carlisle, engineering director, said: “This is a significant milestone in our long-term vision to upgrade the fleet to give customers a better travel experience and create cleaner air for the city.

“Our new buses are fitted with excellent on-board features to provide connectivity on the move and greater comfort.

“Buses are key to tackling congestion and reducing emissions. A fully-loaded double-decker bus can take 75 cars off the road.”

These latest buses are the same as those introduced on services to Headingley, Thorpe Park and Dewsbury Road in a programme started in 2018 which also includes eight hybrid electric vehicles for Elland Road and Temple Green Park & Ride and today totals 166 buses with a value of £41.5m.

The Euro 6 engine technology creates significant reductions in the most harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen oxide, making the buses 95% cleaner than some of the vehicles they are replacing.

Carlisle added: “Improving air quality in Leeds is a huge priority and the investment in ultra-low emission demonstrates our commitment to work in partnership with the local authority.

“Our new vehicles incorporate the latest features in bus travel, including next stop audio announcements, USB charging points and free Wi-Fi and it’s important we continue to work with our partners to promote the benefits of bus travel and encourage people to switch from travelling by car to bus.”

Councillor Kim Groves, chair of the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance and the Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “Making more journeys by bus and reducing the number of cars on our roads and the queuing stationary traffic which contributes to pollution is an easy way that people can all help improve air quality.

“First’s investment in new, cleaner buses with the latest customer-focused features combined with our investment of hundreds of millions of pounds in infrastructure schemes designed to make bus travel more reliable, punctual and attractive, is a valuable element of our commitment to tackling the climate emergency.”

Leeds City Council’s executive board member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, Cllr Lisa Mulherin said: “We welcome First’s investment in Euro 6 bus technology.

“This makes even more of their fleet fit to comply with use in Leeds Clean Air Zone when it comes into action later this year, and crucially ensures more Leeds residents will benefit from the air quality benefits associated with cleaner buses operating in their area.

“As a council we’re working to make bus use more reliable and attractive for Leeds residents and those visiting and working in the city through improved bus lanes and bus gateways at junctions,

“And First is working to deliver cleaner technology for their fleet, which will help reduce carbon and the wider environmental impact of transport in the city.”