Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee joined passengers to welcome back the first AccessBus to undergo emission-reducing retro-engineering and receive a fresh new livery.
As a result of a successful bid to the government’s Clean Bus Technology Fund, the Combined Authority’s fleet of 33 AccessBus vehicles have had their exhaust systems upgraded to meet Euro 6 standards. This means virtually zero emissions.
AccessBus is a dial-a-ride bus service providing door-to-door local journeys for people who have difficulty using standard bus services, seven days a week between 9am and 5pm. AccessBus drivers provide passengers with door-to-door assistance, including boarding and alighting and the buses are fully accessible, fitted with seatbelts and wheelchair restraints.
The Combined Authority has provided match-funding for the £422,000 Clean Bus Technology Fund, which is being used to fit the most up to date wheelchair restraints, on board CCTV systems and digital destination information. At the same time the vehicles are receiving a refresh inside and out, which includes a new livery to reflect the greener status of AccessBus services.
Monday’s trip to the supermarket in south Leeds was on the first refurbished bus, which re-entered service that day. People will see the new green and white livery appearing across West Yorkshire over the next few months.
Cllr Groves said:
“AccessBus provides a vital service enabling users to go shopping like today but also for journeys for social purposes such as to local community centres, places of worship and visits to family and friends.
“I am delighted that we have the first of these environmentally cleaner and much brighter looking buses back in service and look forward to seeing the remaining 32 on West Yorkshire’s roads. This work is part of our wider drive to reduce emissions for buses, which has already seen 300 vehicles in the West Yorkshire fleet retro-fitted to bring them up to Euro 6 standards.”
Anyone of any age can register for AccessBus and more details are available in the Accessible Travel section of the Metro website or by calling (0113) 348 1903, Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 4pm. AccessBus Journeys are free for Senior, Disabled or Blind Persons Pass holders and cost £3 per journey for other adults.
Journeys on AccessBus can be booked up to six and a minimum of two days in advance of travel and subscription bookings are available for trips required on a regular basis.
This post is based on a press release issued by West Yorkshire Combined Authority
So we have one bus from Belle Isle to the Whiterose? I stood with my Grandaughter on friday night waiting for the 12 to go home around 6.05
…at 6.50 we went for a taxi as we were cold and tired. One bus is not enough!