York’s First Bus depot to become fully electric

Credit: First Bus

First Bus has announced that it has commenced the transformation of its depot on James Street in York into the first fully electric depot outside of London. Stonewood Electrical contractors have arrived on site to prepare for the installation of additional power charging infrastructure to accommodate the expanding fleet of zero-emission buses.

Deliveries of these electric buses are expected to commence in late summer 2023. The conversion has been made possible through grants of £10.2 million secured by the City of York Council from the Department for Transport ZEBRA scheme, along with an additional investment of £13 million from First Bus.

Simon Carlisle, Engineering Director of First North & West Yorkshire, said: “This is the beginning of a new future for the depot and a green transport revolution in York. It is real evidence of our continuing successful partnership with City of York Council 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.”

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Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy and Transport at the City of York Council, said: “The city is aiming to achieve its carbon reduction targets and increasing the use of sustainable transport is a key element. High quality electric buses encourage greater use of the network, improve air quality and provide sustainable travel routes across York. Working with our partners we aim to deliver a bus network that is reliable, safe, convenient and attractive to residents, commuters and visitors.”

To support the electric bus fleet, 28 Heliox Rapid 150 kW chargers will be installed at the depot. These chargers have the capability to fully charge a bus in just 2.5 hours, allowing for efficient and timely operations. The establishment of the UK’s first fully electric depot outside of London is viewed as a significant step forward in York’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change.