Bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis has supplied operator Transdev Blazefield with the first of 19 zero-emission Enviro400EV double-deckers for its route 36 between Leeds, Harrogate and Ripon.
The Enviro400EVs, in the livery of the Harrogate Bus Company, are fitted with roof-mounted charging rails to allow their 472kWh batteries be topped up by pantograph during layovers at Harrogate bus station.
Any need for additional energy for the 27-mile route, will be kept to a minimum due to the Enviro400EV’s driveline powered by the heavy-duty Voith Electrical Drive System.
Features include bespoke flooring, USB and wireless mobile device charging and audio-visual passenger information systems including displays facing the two wheelchair bays.
In addition, seats are arranged in a 2+1 pattern on the upper deck, with reclining single seats angled inwards alongside expanded window ledges and armrests.
Transdev Blazefield received funding for the purchase from the first round of the UK Government’s Zero-Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme (ZEBRA 1), via its partner North Yorkshire Council.
Henri Rohard, Transdev Blazefield Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to be working with Alexander Dennis on the next generation of the 36.
“This service has a special place in Transdev Blazefield network. I believe that the configuration considered in this bus is the best available and integrates all the latest innovation that we could think of. The design has been considered to improve our passenger comfort, safety, and accessibility.
“We will continue to integrate after the launch, additional features to further boost the quality of our passenger and driver on board information. We are looking forward to welcoming these buses into our fleet in the coming months.”
