First of 20 eCitaros enter service with Transdev
Transdev has launched the first of 20 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric single-deckers into service.
The first vehicles from the incoming new fleet, resplendent in the bright red livery of Transdev subsidiary, are now in service on The Harrogate Bus Company’s route 1 linking Harrogate and Knaresborough up to every eight minutes. And more new buses to follow shortly.
“This interior specification has been carefully devised to make travelling by bus comfortable, accessible and attractive” – Transdev Operations Director Vitto Pizzuti
Transdev Operations Director, Vitto Pizzuti, said: “We’re excited to introduce the first of these stunning new vehicles into service today on our route 1, delivering a revolution in quality for our customers while dramatically cutting our carbon footprint.
“At the development stage, we received valued feedback from our customers and several of their suggestions have been incorporated into our bespoke interior design.
“This interior specification has been carefully devised to make travelling by bus comfortable, accessible and attractive, with fast and free Wi-Fi and USB device charging, custom-designed seating in a part leather, part moquette design unique to us, a hearing loop and two-colour audio-visual information screens, one facing the wheelchair space, giving constantly updated journey information. Each bus also features extensive safety systems, including electronic pedestrian and cyclist detection and automatic collision avoidance technology.
“Under the surface, there’s a powerful, zero emission electric motor which can provide all-day battery life – important for our busy routes. We’re confident that our customers will love their new electric buses, and we’ll continue their rollout in the weeks to come.”
Transdev’s new bus rollout is part of a wider programme which will ultimately introduce a completely new fleet of all-electric double and single deck buses worth £21 million to the Harrogate area. It includes the Enviro400EV displayed at the Euro Bus Expo at the NEC, Birmingham last week.
The operator has already re-equipped its Harrogate depot to provide up-to-the-minute electric charging and maintenance services, while additional top-up charging facilities are also in place at Harrogate Bus Station.