Proposals to roll out 10 new electric buses are to be discussed by North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive today.
The vehicles would operate across the X46 and X47 routes, which when combined account for roughly 20% of bus journeys in the area, the local authority confirmed in a statement last week.
With over £2.5m having been awarded to the council through the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) capital funding, the proposals call for the Executive to agree that £1.2m should be allocated towards the purchase of 10 electric double-decker buses, as well as charging infrastructure to support the vehicles.
The majority of the funding would be supplied by Stagecoach, who would help to deliver the buses.
Cllr Chris McGiffen, the council’s Executive Member for Highways and Travel, said that the scheme would ‘still have a significant impact for residents and passengers’.
He added: ‘But that doesn’t mean we have forgotten about the previously agreed route, and it is anticipated that the Kettering – Desborough route would be a strong contender for electrification by the time Stagecoach are able to invest in the Kettering depot.’
Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director for Stagecoach Midlands, explained that the move will ensure journeys are more smooth, quiet, and clean, leading to lower carbon emissions and better air quality for residents.
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Photo: © North Northamptonshire Council.
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