Electric buses set to take to streets
THE first electric buses in Wales are due to launch next week in Newport in a step that promises to improve air quality in the city.
Newport Transport has announced that the fleet of 15 new buses will be launched on Monday on routes across the city, including the 29 route to Cwmbran via the new Grange University Hospital.
Newport Transport has been working in partnership with Zenobe Energy on bus battery systems and charging stations in order to effectively introduce the electric buses as part of its fleet.
Seven of the 15 Yutong buses will be dedicated to the three routes between Newport, Caerleon and Cwmbran, including picking up the staff and patients at the new specialist critical care centre at the Grange hospital.
The zero-emission vehicles will also be passing through two zones in the city with poor air quality.
Scott Pearson, managing director at Newport Transport, said: “Newport Transport is pleased to provide our customers with an important cleaner choice of public transport now and for the future.
“This is a massive step forward for the company. Delivering such an innovative scheme, during a pandemic, with a strategic vision beyond these trying
times is absolutely key to reducing our environmental impact, thus doing what we can to slow climate change.
“We are determined to lead the way in Wales and demonstrate what can be done.”
Steven Meersman, a cofounder of Zenobe Energy, said: “We are delighted to see our partnership with Newport Transport drive the improvement of air quality in Newport, leading the way for Wales.”