The latest decision is part of Coventry’s Electric – a trailblazing 140m pounds project that reinforces Stagecoach’s commitment to run zero-emission buses on all its services which link Coventry to surrounding areas in Warwickshire.
This major advance means that more than 200 buses, 80% of all those operating within and travelling into the city, will now be electric battery powered.
Thirty-one double decker buses have been built by British manufacturer Alexander Dennis, with 33 single-deckers from Pelican Yutong.
The vehicles are expected to be in service by next spring after depots have been fitted with the facilities to charge them.
The electrification of Coventry’s entire bus fleet is a key pillar in our aim to cut carbon emissions and help to reduce air pollution.
The new buses will be the equivalent of taking the emissions of 14,000 cars off the roads of Coventry.
Buses will be fitted with modern amenities, with USB charging points, free WiFi, high-spec passenger information systems, and enhanced wheelchair and buggy space.
The funding to support our ambitions in Coventry to become zero-emission came from Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, which was awarded 50 millionOIUNDS of funding from the Department of Transport.
This funding has subsequently unlocked more than 70m pounds of investment from bus operators and a further £20m of funding from TfWM and Warwickshire County Council.