£1.2m electric buses hope for York routes

First has plans to introduce a fleet of "hybrid buses" on to the network, but needs to convince City of York Council the vehicles, which cost up to £200,000 each, are worth the cash.

The company will be bringing back the bus, which operates on low emission fuel outside the city, but switches to an electric battery when in the centre, for an extended trial next month.

An earlier trial at the start of the year was considered a great success, and the latest trip to York aims to show the council how the buses could improve the quality of life for people in the city. York has to meet tough Government air quality targets or face huge fines, but the small city centre and the congestion caused by thousands of workers and visitors is making that a tough task. The hybrid bus would allow First to further reduce emissions from its already environmentally-friendly fleet.

Jonathan May, First managing director, said these zero emission vehicles would enhance the company's reputation as one of the cleanest running fleets in the country.

"We trialled one of the vehicles for three or four days and we have plans to bring six of them to York, but one of the things we have to do is to demonstrate to the council that we can run zero emission vehicles inside the city centre.

"These vehicles are expensive and we have to generate interest among customers, officers and councillors if they are to arrive."

Coun Ann Reid, the council's executive member for transport, said: "When they came on trial we though they were very good and we are very interested to see whether we can run them in York."

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, shadow transport spokeswoman, said: "If we are serious about promoting better air quality then this is a good idea. If we can improve the pinch points where air quality is at its worst in the city centre then that has to be better for everyone."

Updated: 08:42 Monday, April 12, 2004