Go North East unveils electric bus fleet

A major investment in cleaner public transport is set to cut emissions and improve journeys for millions of passengers across the North East.

A new fleet of 29 electric buses has been unveiled at a launch event at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, marking a £17 million investment in zero-emission transport on some of the region’s busiest routes. 

Go North East will introduce the vehicles on the Angel 21, X66 and service 58, which together carry more than five million passengers each year and connect key locations in Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham.

The UK-built electric buses can travel up to 275 miles on a single charge and be fully recharged in under four hours. 

Designed to replace diesel vehicles, they also feature audio-visual next-stop announcements, hearing loops and external sounders to improve accessibility and safety for passengers and pedestrians.

The fleet was jointly funded by Go North East, the North East Combined Authority and the Department for Transport, and represents a significant step towards the region’s longer-term ambitions for fully electric public transport. 

Once in service, the new buses will bring Go North East’s electric fleet to around ten per cent of its total vehicles, helping support North East mayor Kim McGuinness’ aim to convert the whole region to electric buses within the next ten years.

She said: “This is a massive moment for the North East. 

“Buses are right at the heart of the world-class public transport system we want to create in the North East.

“These buses will be on the roads straight away, carrying up to 100,000 passengers every week. 

“They are lovely, quiet, smooth and comfortable.

“It is the latest step to getting the whole region converted to electric buses with the next ten years.”

The buses are expected to enter service over the coming weeks, delivering quieter, cleaner journeys while supporting wider efforts to reduce carbon emissions and modernise transport infrastructure across the North East.

Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, who hails from South Shields, added: “It’s great to be back in the North East as a lad from South Shields. 

“I wouldn’t have been able to go to college if it hadn’t been for buses – we didn’t have a car.

“They allow people to get to education, they allow people to get to those well-paid jobs, see their loved ones and get to GP appointments. 

“They will bring a huge improvement in air quality. 

“There are also health benefits here in making the air cleaner – this will help drive down the emissions.”

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