Go North East trialling electric Wrightbus decker

Go North East is trialling an electric Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner on its popular Angel 21 route.

The bus will be trialled on the service for one week from today (28 February), serving Brandon, Durham, Arnison Centre, Chester-le-Street, Birtley, Low Fell, Gateshead and Newcastle.

The trial follows on from the bus company’s introduction of the region’s first electric fully-electric bus fleet in November 2020, with the buses operating around Gateshead and Newcastle each day on Go North East services 53 and 54.

Go North East hopes that through further electric bus trials, it can help shape future investment strategies as the company looks to have all of its buses running on electricity or hydrogen by 2035, and to become a Net Zero business by 2045.

“This electric bus trial will help shape our plans for the future of our fleet” – Martijn Gilbert, managing director at Go North East

Martijn Gilbert, managing director at Go North East, said: “Buses play a vital role in keeping our towns and cities moving, and we’re committed to improving the service we offer to help reduce congestion and improve air quality.

“While the bus industry continues to face challenges with reduced passenger numbers and revenue, it’s important that we don’t lose sight of the future and that we continue to innovate and make progress with even greener buses.

“This electric bus trial will help shape our plans for the future of our fleet. The interior layout, including the seats, on this bus is a standard build from the manufacturer and should we buy any then they would be customised to our usual standards.”

Martijn Gilbert has asked passengers on the bus to give feedback on their experience riding it.