DESIGNS have been revealed for the new fleet of zero-emission electric buses that you will soon see driving around Warrington.

One of the town’s new state-of-the-art Volvo BZL electric buses – decked out in the official town colours – was officially revealed today, Friday.

The unveiling of the yellow and black bus marks the final countdown for the arrival of Warrington’s all-electric, 105-bus fleet, arriving from this summer to replace Warrington’s Own Buses’ entire diesel range.

Warrington’s deal with Volvo is one of the biggest orders of electric buses by any town or city in the UK to date.

The council has also signed a deal with EO Charging to supply chargers at Warrington’s new bus depot on Dallam Lane, powered by 100 per cent green energy.

The project is supported through funding from a Department for Transport scheme which aims to deliver up to 4,000 zero-emission buses across the country.

Warrington Borough Council Leader Cllr Hans Mundry, who is also cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “These are exciting times for Warrington, with the introduction of our all-electric fleet set to transform bus travel in our borough.

“Our 105 buses will bring massive benefits for passengers, providing safe, quiet and comfortable journeys.

Warrington Guardian: One of the town's new electric busesOne of the town's new electric buses (Image: WBC)

“These are buses which are truly fit for the future, with zero tailpipe emissions that will improve air quality and support our work to tackle the climate emergency.

“We have made our ambitions clear to reduce emissions and congestion, increase the share of journeys made by bus and build sustainable transport into everyday life in Warrington.

“Our new electric buses will play a massive role in us achieving this, and they are set to usher in a bright new era for bus travel in Warrington.”

Warrington’s Own Buses vehicles cover 85 per cent of the bus mileage in the borough.

Warrington Guardian: One of the town's new electric busesOne of the town's new electric buses (Image: WBC)

Domenico Bondi, managing director for Volvo Bus UK, added: “This has been an exciting project to work on with the team in Warrington, building a sustainable and future-proof electric bus system which is going to be truly world-class.”

The council says it has been working closely to build a better bus service to support the arrival of the new electric bus fleet.

Under the banner of ‘Better by Bus’, a range of improvements have been made to services, including fares being capped at a £2 single for adults in Warrington and £1 single anywhere in Warrington for young people aged five to 18 – with this expanded to 19 to 21-year-olds from April.

There is also free concessionary pass travel at any time of the day, seven days-a-week, with free travel to be introduced for care leavers, again from April.