First electric bus rolls into the capital

CARDIFF has launched its first electric bus – the first of its kind in Wales.

The announcement follows recent speculation after a large charging station was installed next to the city’s Alexandra Gardens in Cathays Park.

Running as part of an eight-week trial, the state-of-the-art Volvo 7900E will run along the number 6 route, taking passengers from the civic centre, via the city centre and on to Cardiff Bay.

The new bus will take to the streets this weekend.

The project is being run in collaboration between the Welsh Government, Cardiff Council, Cardiff Bus, Volvo and charging station manufacturers ABB.

Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates said: “I am delighted to welcome Volvo and ABB to Cardiff, and grateful to Cardiff Bus for taking the lead in this exciting development in city transport.”

The main objective of the trial is to provide a sustainable, environmentally friendly form of public transport, which can operate using opportunity charging on an allocated route. It’s also hoped the project will prove the infrastructure can potentially be rolled out on a wider scale.

Cardiff Bus managing director Cynthia Ogbonna, said: “Technology is moving at speed, and the importance of clean air is moving fast up the political agenda as well within society’s thoughts. Using our iconic baycar route, which links the heart of the Capital with Cardiff Bay quickly, is an obvious choice for the trial.

“As well as the Volvo Ocean Race in Cardiff Bay the trial coincides with the annual summer events calendar in Cardiff Bay, so we hope to put the technology to the test.”