Arriva UK Bus has invested in 24 electric Wrightbus Electroliners at its depot in Leicester.

The new ‘deckers represent an investment of £11m in the city’s buses, delivered through the ZEBRA (Zero-emission Bus Regional Areas) scheme as part of the Leicester Buses Partnership between Arriva and the City Council.

The project also included the installation and upgrading of a high-voltage power supply for the buses as well as on-site charging at Arriva’s Thurmaston depot, supplied by electric fleet energy specialists Zenobe.

A further 25 electric buses are now expected to be introduced at Arriva’s Thurmaston depot following announcement of the second phase of ZEBRA funding.

Arriva’s similar Enhanced Partnership with Leicestershire County Council has been successfully awarded funding to support the deployment of zero-emission buses on more routes in and around Leicester.

“The investment in these vehicles is testament to the strength of our partnership with Leicester City Council” – Toby France, Arriva Midlands head of commercial

Toby France, Arriva Midlands head of commercial, said: “It’s fantastic to see these buses all now in service, providing benefit for our customers and completing the mobilisation of this complex project.

“The investment in these vehicles is testament to the strength of our partnership with Leicester City Council and gives us a strong foundation for further future investment in zero-emission vehicles in the city.”

“This marks another step on our shared journey towards a greener Leicester” – Leicester City Council assistant city mayor Cllr Geoff Whittle

Leicester City Council assistant city mayor Cllr Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport, said: “This marks another step on our shared journey towards a greener Leicester, with the investment in these vehicles demonstrating Arriva’s commitment towards our partnership objectives of a bus network that is not only electric but continues to be frequent, reliable, easy to use and great value.

“As a frequent bus user myself I look forward to our bus partnership continuing to deliver for Leicester residents, working together to secure further investment in our city’s buses and bus network.”

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