WARRINGTON welcomes the arrival of the town's first electric double decker buses.

Making progress towards its goal of zero emissions for future bus travel, the newest additions to Warrington's Own Buses' electric bus family has been revealed.

Over the coming months, residents and visitors will see a steady increase in the number of the sleek, yellow buses on Warrington's streets – which will soon reach 105 vehicles in total, replacing Warrington’s Own Buses’ entire fleet of diesel buses.

In-line with all of Warrington’s Volvo BZL Electric fleet, the new double-deckers are designed to provide a comfortable, efficient, and sustainable transport option for all, with key features including:

  • Near-silent operation: The buses are designed to minimise noise pollution, with low interior noise and silent propulsion creating a more pleasant environment for passengers, as well as residents along the route.

  • High safety standards: Built with passenger safety as a top priority, the buses incorporate the latest safety features to ensure a secure and comfortable journey.

  • Accessibility: The new buses are equipped with features to make them accessible to all passengers, including those with disabilities. They represent the most accessible buses ever introduced in Warrington.

  • Environmental compliance: The buses are compliant with the strictest emissions and noise regulations, contributing to cleaner air and a quieter environment.

  • Sustainability and future-proofing: Charged by 100 per cent green energy, the electric fleet is part of a long-term investment in a sustainable future for transport in Warrington, supporting the council’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency

Warrington Borough Council leader and cabinet member for highways and transport, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: "The arrival of the first of our electric double-deckers is the latest milestone in our efforts to deliver greener, cleaner transport in Warrington, and create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly town.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the fleet continue to grow in the coming weeks and months. These buses are not only good for the planet, reducing our carbon footprint and improving air quality, but are also providing more comfortable, efficient, and accessible bus journeys and creating a quieter, more pleasant environment for our residents and visitors.

“We’re committed to reducing emissions and congestion, and increasing the share of journeys made by bus. Investing in a bus service which is fit-for-the-future is a crucial part of that.

“Our order of 105 electric buses is one of the largest in the country, putting us at the forefront of delivering sustainable public transport. This, combined with the huge improvements we’ve been making to services across the board means it really is the start of a bright new era for bus travel in Warrington.”

The council is working closely with local operators - as part of the borough’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) - to ensure the new fleet of electric buses is matched by first class services. Under the banner of ‘Better by Bus’, a range of improvements have been made to services, including:

Fares capped at £2 single for adults, at any time and on any route in Warrington

  • £1 single anywhere in Warrington for young people up to age 22 on most routes

  • Free concessionary pass travel at any time of day, seven days a week.

  • Enhanced timetables, with more frequent buses every day

  • Free local bus travel for care leavers aged between 18-22

  • Brand new bus shelters across the network

Ben Wakerley, managing director of Warrington’s Own Buses, added: “These are exciting times for bus travel in Warrington. As our fleet continues to expand, we’re looking forward to more and more residents and visitors benefiting from comfortable, smooth, sustainable and enjoyable journeys.

“Around five million bus journeys take place in Warrington each year. We hope the improvements we’re making to bus travel locally will help increase the number of people choosing to use the bus for their journeys in and around Warrington.

“It’s been fantastic to work with the council, the UK government, Volvo and a number of other partners to get this important project delivered for our town.

"With the first of our double deckers arriving, we can now look forward to the arrival of the remainder of our electric buses in the coming months, completing the transformation of our fleet.”