Cardiff Bus have just taken delivery of their first of 36 fully-electric buses that will be used in the Welsh capital. The first Yutong E12 zero-emissions bus arrived following the COP26 Climate Change Conference.
This arrival marks the start of the next, and significant, phase in the ambitious project that’s behind the step-change in the Capital’s bus network.
Works have been underway in recent weeks with new charging infrastructure installed at the bus operator’s Sloper Road depot in preparation for the arrival of the 36 Yutong E12 zero-emission buses.
The arrival of the first electric bus allows for driver training and the commissioning of the depot infrastructure ahead of their launch in the next few weeks.
Paul Dyer, Cardiff Bus managing director, said, “We have been all about our city for nearly 120 years, and we are rightly proud of the part we play in city life. Cardiff Bus is the bus network in Cardiff, part of the city’s fabric, and this game-changing development further underscores this. We’re proud to play our part in improving the air quality in the city.
“I’d like to thank those involved in the project thus far, and now welcome our drivers, engineers and all support staff into the key part they will play getting these game-changing buses onto the streets of our fine city.
“This investment wasn’t possible without the support of wider stakeholders and, significantly, our shareholder, Cardiff Council. We look forward to continuing to work with our shareholder to make buses the way of moving around our city – an objective we both share and are working hard to achieve.”
In addition to their environmental and green credentials, the electric buses will also provide a comfortable and quiet ride for customers. The buses are kitted out with next stop audio and visual announcements and USB ports to make journeys easier for customers.
