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Oct 2020

Last Updated: 08/10/2020

Transport

Knaresborough gets first electric bus

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 08 Oct, 2020

The bus will be trialled from tomorrow in an effort to improve air quality and congestion. If the trial is successful, the electric bus could become permanent in Knaresborough within the next 12 to 18 months.

Knaresborough is to get its first electric bus, in a move that will reduce carbon emissions in the town.

Harrogate Bus Company announced on Clean Air Day today it will trial the number 1 route from tomorrow for a week.

The number 1 is one of the company's busiest routes and it is hoped the electric bus will become a permanent feature on Knaresborough's roads within 12 to 18 months.

Air pollution at Bond End in Knaresborough, which is one of the stops on the route, remains at illegal levels.

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade said the trial was a positive step in becoming a greener town.

Steve Teggin, president of the chamber, said:

"It's a perfect run because there is an enormous amount of traffic from Harrogate to Knaresborough to shop.

"We are very excited to encourage a greener environment and this is a great step forward. We hope this will encourage people to come and support our shops."

The bus will run off one charge overnight.

The Harrogate Bus Company has said the trial will allow it to test the technology and ensure customers are happy with the new service.

Alex Hornby, chief executive of Harrogate Bus Company, said:

"We have committed some investment for next year and we hope to make it as successful as the Harrogate electric buses. It's the main route to connect Harrogate and Knaresborough so it seems like an obvious next step to bring this technology into Knaresborough."

Harrogate Bus Company has said it will plant a further 39 trees following its green initiative.

Local Lib Dems have proposed a citizen's assembly to tackle climate change.

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Knaresborough gets first electric bus

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