Electric Optare returns to Go North East

An Optare MetroCity electric single-decker has returned to Go North East. The operator previously trialled the vehicle in July.

The bus will be trialled on the Quaylink Q3 service alongside Newcastle’s Quayside and through the city centre. In October, Go North East plans to introduce the region’s first full-electric fleet of buses between Newcastle and Gateshead.

Go North East’s MD, Martijn Gilbert, said: “This is part of a series of forward-looking strategies to make our bus services even better. From 5 September, our timetables will be back to 100% levels – we’ve introduced extra cleaning, more flexible tickets for part-time and home workers, and have deployed extra capacity to help ensure social distancing. There’s never been a better time to get on board our clean, safe and comfy low-emission buses that connect our towns, cities and communities.”