Leicester P&Rs go electric with Yutongs

Yutong E12 electric buses have entered service on Leicester P&R services.

Operated by Roberts Travel Group, the 11 low-emission buses are to be used on three P&R services in Leicester. Pelican Bus and Coach supplied the vehicles, as well as the civils and infrastructure work. The buses are equipped with onboard digital screens, USB charging points at every seat and provide free wifi to passengers.

These 11 Yutongs will be joined by a further seven zero-emission buses in autumn 2022. Four will be introduced on the Hospital Hopper service, and three more will be used to launch a new, free city-centre shuttle. Named the Green Line Bus Project, these vehicles are part of Leicester’s programme of investment in sustainable transport.

Picture captured by David Cole

Leicester’s successful bid to the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) has funded most of the £7.1m required for 18 new electric buses. The TCF is also funding the £7m required for complementary works, such as bus priority measures, bus shelters, digital ticketing and real-time displays, as well as the creation of two new electric bus park & ride sites at Beaumont Leys and the General Hospital.

The vehicles were fully completed in the UK at the Pelican premises in Castleford, with driver and engineering training undertaken with the team at Roberts.

Roberts Travel Group has had a charging station at its depot in Coalville installed in partnership with Zenobe Energy. The vehicles are charged overnight and operate all day on a single charge.

“I am extremely proud that our loyal team of drivers will continue to drive the very best vehicles available” – Roberts Travel Group Managing Director, Jonathan Hunt

Roberts Travel Group Managing Director, Jonathan Hunt, said: “I am really pleased that Roberts Travel Group will be the first operator in Leicester to operate fully electric buses.

“I am extremely proud that our loyal team of drivers will continue to drive the very best vehicles available, as we continue to invest in the latest technology for the people of Leicester.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cookies

This site uses some unobtrusive cookies to store information on your computer, these are in place to ensure that you receive the best possible experience when using the Bus & Coach Buyer website.