PASSENGERS have been enjoying the first ride on Warrington’s electric buses.

Having initially been used for driver training, the first set of electric-powered buses are now in service in Warrington.

It comes after Warrington Borough Council ordered 105 new buses as part of the Volvo BZL Electric Vehicle fleet.

The electric bus order is one of the biggest by any town or city in the UK to date, to replace Warrington’s Own Buses’ entire fleet of diesel buses.

Posting on social media, Warrington's Own Buses said: “Our first electric bus is out in service today.

“You can find it on services one, 16, 20, 21, 11 and 14.

“We are excited to get more of them on the road over the next couple of weeks.

“Let us know if you spot it.”

The state-of-the-art Volvo BZL Electric fleet will provide clean, near-silent, comfortable and efficient public transport, built to a high safety standard and complying with the toughest restrictions on emissions and noise.

Zero-tailpipe emissions vehicle features low interior noise, making it easier for passengers to talk to others or listen to music during the ride.

The driver also benefits from a calm and quiet workspace, while the silent propulsion reduces noise for residents along the route.

Warrington’s Own Buses covers 85 per cent of the bus mileage in the borough, and the conversion of its entire fleet to all-electric supports Warrington’s ambitions to introduce greener, cleaner and more sustainable transport options throughout the borough.

Buses will be powered by solar energy, charged at the new Warrington Bus Depot on Dallam Lane through power generated by a council-owned solar farm.

The project is the latest boost to the wider work to transform bus services in Warrington, as part of the borough’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.

A range of work is underway between the council and local operators to deliver cheaper fares, increased reliability and high-quality, accessible vehicles.

This includes the launch of the latest phase of Warrington’s Better By Bus initiative, which is capping single fares at £2 for adults and £1 for young people aged between five and 18, until 2025.

Council leader Cllr Hans Mundry previously said: “These are exciting times for Warrington, with the introduction of our all-electric fleet set to transform bus travel in our borough.

“Our 105 buses will bring massive benefits for passengers, providing safe, quiet and comfortable journeys.

“These are buses which are truly fit for the future, with zero tailpipe emissions that will improve air quality and support our work to tackle the climate emergency.

“We have made our ambitions clear to reduce emissions and congestion, increase the share of journeys made by bus and build sustainable transport into everyday life in Warrington.

“Our new electric buses will play a massive role in us achieving this, and they are set to usher in a bright new era for bus travel in Warrington.”