Latest Yutong electrics join NCT

Following the launch of Nottingham City Transport’s (NCT) first electric buses in the Old Market Square last year, NCT is now running its latest batch. The 24 new Yutong electric single-deckers are being used on its Green Line routes 5, 7, 8 and 9.

Running on a five-minute Monday to Saturday daytime frequency between the City Centre, Nottingham Station, Trent Bridge and Central Avenue, these routes form the backbone of West Bridgford’s public transport.

NCT had one of the new buses on display in Central Avenue, West Bridgford, on Saturday (8 February) for the public to explore.

The Yutongs are part of NCT’s partnership with Nottingham City Council, and the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) fund. They were supplied by Pelican Bus & Coach and finished to NCT’s high specifications by Pelican Engineering.

A further 14 electric Yutongs are due to enter NCT’s fleet towards the end of the year. As well as Bridgford Bus routes getting an upgrade, electric buses will soon be introduced on four more of the operator’s services. These buses will join the 2024 fleet, which are already in service on Green 11, Pink 30, Blue 39, 40/X, 41, 42, and Red 50.

David Astill, NCT Managing Director, said: “It was great to welcome so many residents on board their new Bridgford Bus at our launch event in the heart of West Bridgford on Saturday. With an unbeatable daytime frequency of up to every five minutes through Central Avenue this upgrade to our Bridgford Bus services shows our commitment to providing a high quality alternative to the car.”

• Look out for more on Nottingham City Transport’s electric transition in the next issue of Bus and Coach Buyer (issue 1696, 21 February 2025).