Transdev United Kingdom is celebrating after its groundbreaking premium fleet on flagship route The 36, linking Harrogate with Leeds and Ripon, was named as Britain’s best zero emission transport innovation.
Judges at the national E-Mobility Awards selected the Transdev United Kingdom’s multi-million pound project to deliver 19 new Alexander Dennis Enviro 400EV double deck vehicles – part of a wider £21 million programme to replace its entire Harrogate fleet with new zero emission buses – as winner of the Best Bus Innovation trophy.
Transdev’s mission to convert its Harrogate depot to 100 per cent electric bus operation presented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to work with engineers at a leading bus manufacturer to develop a new bus design capable of building on The 36’s potential for further growth.
Working in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, Government funding worth £7.8 million was secured to support just over a third of the total cost of 39 new electric buses, plus re-equipping Transdev’s Harrogate depot with new technology to power and maintain the innovative buses.
The first new electric double-deck bus destined for The 36 was unveiled at a high-profile VIP launch in front of Harrogate’s prestigious Yorkshire Hotel in June 2024 – followed by a free family party featuring red and black ice creams to match the new bus for children, while their parents sampled a bottled beer brewed locally to celebrate the launch.
The double deck buses have been joined by 20 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric single deckers to create a complete new zero emission electric bus fleet based at Transdev’s depot in the town.
Externally, Transdev’s Enviro 400EV electric buses are packed with safety features, including digital electronic rear view cameras in place of the traditional mirrors, giving drivers a clearer view of potential hazards – while on the inside, a unique specification developed using Transdev’s extensive experience offers customers a level of luxury unlike anything else on Britain’s bus routes.
A glazed staircase leads to the upper deck featuring a two-plus-one seating layout, glazed roof panels to let in natural light and wireless mobile device charging, while on the lower deck, two dedicated wheelchair spaces and high-visibility flooring and lighting makes travel easier and safer for all.
Transdev received the Best Bus Innovation trophy at the e-Mobility Awards presentation, held at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire.