Harrogate's New £21 Million Electric Bus Fleet Set to Launch in July

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 23, 2024 00:05 AMNews
Share:
A green park in Harrogate city
Harrogate's sustainable travel future. Source: unsplash

Harrogate Bus Company, a division of Transdev, is gearing up to launch its new electric bus fleet this July. This initiative involves a significant investment of £21 million for 39 new electric buses and the refurbishment of its Starbeck depot, aiming to fully transition Harrogate's bus service to electric power.

The eagerly awaited fleet includes 20 new Mercedes-Benz E-Citaro all-electric single-deck buses. These will serve Harrogate's busy urban route 1 between Harrogate and Knaresborough, route 7 linking Harrogate, Wetherby, and Leeds, and rural route 24 between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge. This expansion promises to enhance the travel experience for both locals and tourists, offering a smoother, quieter, and more environmentally friendly journey through some of North Yorkshire’s most picturesque landscapes.

To mark the occasion, Harrogate Bus Company is hosting a special event on Tuesday, June 18. This event, starting at 3.30pm, will offer the public a first look at the town’s new electric buses. Visitors can expect an engaging afternoon filled with travel-themed activities.

Kel Pizzuti, General Manager of the award-winning bus operator, expressed excitement about the upcoming event. He emphasized that it would be a family-friendly occasion with music, live dance performances from local schools, face painting, balloon modeling, and a magician to entertain attendees. Additionally, the event will highlight local travel opportunities, with information and incentives for exploring Harrogate and its surrounding areas by bus.

Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and participate in prize giveaways, including the chance to win free bus trips. This event invites all, including families, local schools, and nursery groups, to celebrate the future of sustainable travel in Harrogate.

These new buses will join the company’s existing eight Harrogate Electrics-branded Volvo 7900E electric vehicles, which were the first of their kind in Britain when launched in 2018. The current fleet serves routes 2, 3, and 6, covering areas such as Bilton, Jennyfield, Pannal Ash, and Beckwith Knowle. These routes connect travelers to various attractions and scenic spots, making it easier to explore the beauty of the region.

The new buses are part of an initiative supported by £7.8 million in funding from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, following a successful bid by Transdev’s partner, North Yorkshire Council. More details about the event and family attractions will be released closer to the date.

This launch marks a significant milestone in Harrogate's journey towards sustainable public transportation, promising a greener future for the town and enhancing the travel experience for all who visit.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
KLM airplane flying over a mountain range with clear blue skies

KLM Revives Direct Flights to Barbados, Connecting Europe to the Caribbean

Apr 24, 2025 17:56 PM
Interior of Heathrow Airport showing check-in counters and flight information boards

Heathrow Strikes Set to Disrupt Travel for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

Apr 24, 2025 15:58 PM

Paris Carpool Lane Brings New Travel Rules for Drivers and Visitors

Apr 24, 2025 11:33 AM

May Rail Closures to Impact Travel Across Gloucestershire and Beyond

Apr 24, 2025 09:44 AM
Aerial view of the Hudson River with fall foliage and a small riverside area

Hudson Valley Welcomes New Destination for Food and Wellness

Apr 24, 2025 07:27 AM
Stagecoach double-decker bus in urban area

May Bus Strikes in West Scotland to Disrupt Travel Plans for Tourists

Apr 24, 2025 05:31 AM
AirAsia airplane on the tarmac at an airport

Travelers Face Risk From AirAsia Identity Scam

Apr 23, 2025 19:29 PM
Lufthansa airplane on runway at sunset

Lufthansa Group Rolls Out Easier Payment for Travelers

Apr 23, 2025 17:54 PM
Passengers seated inside a bus

Planning a Bus Journey in Wales Just Got Simpler

Apr 23, 2025 07:42 AM

Rovaniemi Airport Prepares for Winter Tourist Surge

Apr 23, 2025 05:28 AM

Temporary Rail Closure to Impact South Wales Travel

Apr 23, 2025 03:35 AM
Passenger airplane flying in clear blue sky

Simplified Travel for Fans at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Apr 22, 2025 23:34 PM
WestJet aircraft taking off with snowy mountains in the background

More Direct Canada Flights Make Cross-Country and European Travel Easier

Apr 22, 2025 21:28 PM
View of Zürich city from the lake

Zürich Gains Popularity as Compact City Break Destination

Apr 22, 2025 18:41 PM
Dog sitting in the back of a car among travel bags

Flying with Large Dogs Brings Extra Rules and Planning for Travelers

Apr 22, 2025 16:36 PM

New Ritz-Carlton Campaign Embraces Travel With Purpose

Apr 21, 2025 23:56 PM

No More Surprises: Airbnb Reveals Full Prices in Search

Apr 21, 2025 21:32 PM
Empty bus interior with blue seats

Stagecoach Enhances Travel Links Across Northern Highlands

Apr 21, 2025 19:25 PM
Train approaching a small countryside station with a covered footbridge above the tracks

Rail Upgrades Reconnect Key Coastal Destinations

Apr 21, 2025 17:47 PM
AirAsia aircraft in flight against a blue sky

AirAsia Promo Unlocks Cheaper Long-Haul Travel

Apr 21, 2025 14:33 PM
Coastal view of St Peter Port in Guernsey with historic buildings overlooking the waterfront

Liberation Day Closures to Disrupt Visitor Transport in Guernsey

Apr 20, 2025 23:45 PM
Empty seats with aircraft visible through windows

New Long-Haul Comforts from Riyadh Air

Apr 20, 2025 21:57 PM

Tourists Raise Red Flags Over Hawaii Reviews

Apr 19, 2025 23:44 PM

Luni Station Closure Disrupts Spring Travel

Apr 19, 2025 21:21 PM
Aircraft on tarmac at Brussels Airport during ground handling operations

Brussels Airport Revamp Will Shift Passenger Experience

Apr 19, 2025 19:58 PM
Interior of a modern airport terminal with escalators, gate signs, seating areas, and convenience store signage

Wuxi Shuofang Airport to Close Temporarily for Maintenance

Apr 19, 2025 16:46 PM