Due for delivery in October, the zero-emission Metrodecker EV buses are being manufactured by Optare and will have a range of 150 miles from one overnight charge.
The vehicles will each carry 99 passengers and will feature audio visual next-stop technology, USB charging points and will sport the city’s new-look Park & Ride livery.
First York partners with City of York Council on the York Park & Ride scheme, which already has 12 electric single-deck Optare buses.
Marc Bichtemann, managing director of First York, says: “We’re proud to be the operator of one of the biggest fleets of double-deck electric buses outside of London, as we continue to work with City of York Council to improve air quality in York.
“Today’s announcement showcases the benefits of partnership working in practice... By working together, local authorities and bus operators can make a real impact on congestion and air quality, provide better services for our customers, support local economies more effectively and, ultimately, help to increase passenger numbers.”
Robert Drewery, Optare’s commercial director, adds: “Optare is delighted to continue its electric journey with First York. In 2014, our electric single deck Versas began operation on the city’s Park & Ride service. We have built on five years of valuable EV experience in York to develop our product range.
“In 2017, Optare partnered with First and City of York Council in launching our prototype electric double-deck into service. The lessons learned during the trial have been fundamental in shaping the design of the Metrodecker EV, the world’s first truly zero emissions double-deck bus.”