First depot ‘making history’ as diesel tank removed
First Bus‘s depot in York has had its diesel refuelling tank removed as the fleet at the site operates entirely on electric power.
The depot’s fleet is the first in Yorkshire to operate only using electric charging.
First York moved to its current James Street depot over 30 years ago and installed the fuel tank. The operator now has a fleet of 86 zero-emission buses saving close to 5,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.
The removal of the fuel tank is the latest step in a £23m transformation of the depot achieved with a £13m investment by First Bus and government co-funding of £10.2m secured by City of York Council.
“We’re making history with the removal of our diesel refuelling tank” – Kayleigh Ingham, Commercial Director of First North & West Yorkshire
Kayleigh Ingham, Commercial Director of First North & West Yorkshire, said: “We’re making history with the removal of our diesel refuelling tank. This is now the first bus depot in Yorkshire to operate its fleet entirely using electric charging.
“We are leading a greener transport revolution in York and the wider region.
“This depot is at the forefront of First Bus’s strategy to have a zero emission fleet nationally by 2035.
“EVs can attract more people to consider bus travel by realising the real impact this has in creating cleaner air and enjoying a much smoother, quieter ride.”