The roll out of the region’s new hydrogen powered buses is set to continue over the coming weeks with more of the vehicles gradually beginning passenger services.
The first of the state of the art double-deckers started passenger services last week on Monday May 15. This followed weeks of testing and driver training on Merseyside roads.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, who sees their introduction as a key part of delivering a transport revolution for Merseyside, said the beginning of passenger services was a major step forward for the city region. The 20 strong fleet purchased by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority are currently undergoing a phased introduction with more of the vehicles said to be on the streets in the "coming weeks."
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The buses are providing passenger journeys along the 10A route which connects Liverpool city centre to St Helens. It is the busiest bus route in the region and will also form the city region’s very first ‘green route’.
The state of the art vehicles follow the delivery of brand new class 777 trains which are now operating on a number of lines on the Merseyrail network. The city region is also working on its own ‘franchising model’ which would bring the region’s buses under the greatest level of public control since the 1980s.
The brand new zero-emissions buses include increased capacity for wheelchair users and passengers with prams or buggies. Other additional features include wireless and USB phone charging, internet access and reading lights above seats.
The vehicles are also fitted with camera wing mirrors to improve safety, as well as audio and visual announcements for next stops, with high definition onboard screens to update passengers on journey progress, next stops and onward travel connections in real time.
A spokesperson for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said: “The first of the Liverpool City Region's new publicly owned hydrogen buses entered service on the 10A route between St Helens and Liverpool city centre last week – among the most accessible and sophisticated fleet anywhere in the country.
“As with any transport rollout, such as the region's £500m publicly owned trains, there will be a phased introduction, with more buses hitting the streets in the coming weeks.
“These zero emission buses have a vital role to play in reducing emissions and delivering the London-style transport system that local residents deserve. With a consultation ongoing on whether to franchise our buses, we are well on the way to delivering Mayor Rotheram’s vision for a public transport network that makes getting around quicker, cheaper, greener and more reliable.”
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