Transdev's electric transormation wins UK national award

Multi-million pound investment in electric buses and new green depot impress judges at Routeone Awards

Forward-thinking North of England bus operator Transdev is celebrating after its multi-million pound investment in electric technology scooped a prestigious national award.

Celebrating excellence across the UK’s bus industry since 2005, the 18^th Routeone Awards recognise operators and individuals who have driven innovation and success.

At a ceremony in Birmingham, Transdev was presented with one of the most hotly contested trophies – the Environment Award – after judges praised the diverse ways that the Harrogate-based bus operator is investing to reduce its carbon footprint.

Parent firm Transdev Blazefield’s Managing Director Henri Rohard said: Transdev Managing Director Henri Rohard said: Parent firm Transdev Blazefield’s Managing Director Henri Rohard said: “I am delighted and very proud of our team – winning this award is a significant moment, especially at a time when the transition to electric buses is so important for our industry.

“This new generation of buses and charging systems has taken us three years to develop, following a successful application for £11 million through ZEBRA, the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas fund. We are also very grateful for the support of our two exceptional partners, North Yorkshire Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, in securing joint funding for these exciting projects.”

“We will continue to be proactive in reducing our carbon emissions, and by actively pursuing development and growth for our local communities. Everything we do in this direction makes a difference – for instance, 80 percent of the components in our new electric bus designs are produced in the UK or in Europe.”

Transdev has today launched the first of a completely new fleet of all-electric double and single deck buses worth £21 million, and has re-equipped its Harrogate depot to fully electric power.

A further £7.5 million order for 15 new electric single deck buses to convert one of its most popular routes, the Shuttle linking Keighley and Bradford in West Yorkshire, to zero emission operation is currently in build.

The bus operator has also placed a third £4 million order for 15 hybrid single deckers for its popular FLYER bus network, linking Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate with Leeds Bradford Airport. Running on a combination of electric power and low emission biodiesel to keep emissions, the new fleet will feature regenerative braking using ‘self-charging’ technology to feed the on-board 14 kW electric motor which in turn supports the low-emission diesel engine.

Transdev launched its FLYER bus network in August 2020 in a three-way partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds Bradford Airport. Three dedicated routes link Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate with the airport seven days a week.

Meanwhile in York, Transdev opened a new purpose-built green depot at Rawcliffe in March of this year, achieving a reduction in carbon emissions of 28%, compared with statutory levels set by the Government in 2013.

Detailed design integration of renewable technologies, such as solar panels, air source heat pumps, building airtightness and associated detail measures have all helped to create an energy efficient and sustainable building. On the outside, biodiversity is enhanced by planting, while bird and bat nesting boxes support the natural environment.

The first new Alexander Dennis 400EV electric double deck bus for Transdev’s flagship 36 route linking Harrogate and Ripon with Leeds was unveiled at a family fun party in Harrogate town centre in June.

A Mercedes-Benz eCitaro demonstrator vehicle was also on show to give VIPs and families a preview of a further 20 all-new, zero emission electric single deck buses, the first batch which entered service today on route 1 linking Harrogate and Knaresborough, ushering in a new era of comfort and style while further protecting the environment.