National Express celebrates zero-emission roll out
National Express West Midlands is growing its zero-emission bus fleet to 329 electric buses with the delivery of 170 new Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double-decker zero emission buses.
In addition to the new vehicles, National Express West Midlands has completed a major infrastructure upgrade of its Yardley Wood depot. Originally built in 1938, the depot has been modernised with the installation of advanced charging infrastructure as part of ongoing efforts to future-proof its operations and ensure long-term sustainability in its services. The bus operator’s Perry Barr depot is also undergoing an electrification upgrade which is due to complete in the coming weeks.
Antony Goozee, Bus Strategy and Commercial Director at National Express West Midlands, said: “Replacing our diesel buses with electric vehicles and modernising our depots are key steps in our journey towards operating a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2030. These new clean, green double-decker buses are not just about improving efficiency and reducing our environmental impact, they also deliver a better experience for our passengers with quieter, smoother and more comfortable journeys.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This region is leading the way on greener public transport – with an entire fleet of electric buses being delivered in Coventry and now 170 new zero-emission buses across Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull. That means cleaner air, quieter streets and a more comfortable, reliable service for passengers.
“Buses are the backbone of our network, with over half a million trips made in the region each day. That’s why we continue to work closely with our bus operators to decarbonise public transport and support our green transport revolution for a cleaner and healthier West Midlands while creating a network which works for everyone.”
Supporting this transition is EV fleet and battery storage specialist Zenobē, providing an end-to-end Electric Transport as a Service (ETaaS) solution to National Express West Midlands.