Bus Ambassador

Have you heard about Equipmake? They’re a pioneering engineering company focusing on electrification, working across industries like automotive, aerospace, buses and more. Recently, they announced an exciting new electric conversion for the Wrightbus Streetdeck double-decker bus. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) What’s the Wrightbus Streetdeck? The Wrightbus Streetdeck, launched in 2014, is has become one of the UK’s favorite double-decker buses. You’ve likely seen them around the likes of Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds. Now, Equipmake has unveiled the latest version of their Zero Emissions Drivetrain for the Streetdeck, promising a superb mix of range, battery life, performance and cost-effectiveness, all while maintaining passenger capacity. The Tech Behind the Transformation So, what’s inside this cutting-edge system? Let’s break it down: HTM 3500 Motor : Delivers 3,500Nm of torque and 400kW of peak power. Semikron SKAI Inverter : Ensures smooth, efficient power conversion. 436kWh Li...

In a heartfelt tribute to the Armed Forces community, Stagecoach has announced free travel on its bus and tram services (excluding Megabus, TFL, and the Bee network) across the UK on Armed Forces Day. This initiative, scheduled for Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June, extends to serving personnel in uniform, individuals carrying a military ID card, and veterans proudly displaying a medal or veteran’s badge. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) Armed Forces Day Celebration Armed Forces Day, celebrated on Saturday 29th June, is a time for the public to show appreciation for the men and women of the Armed Forces community, including serving troops, Service families, veterans, and cadets. Details of Free Travel Stagecoach bus companies nationwide will offer free travel on both Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June to serving personnel in uniform, those carrying a military ID card, and veterans with a medal or veteran’s badge. Commitment on Remembrance Days Additionally, Sta...

Stagecoach has taken another big step towards a greener future by placing a major order for 158 electric buses from Pelican Bus and Coach. This new order, on top of the recent delivery of 23 single-deckers to Sheffield, solidifies Stagecoach's position as the largest operator of Yutong electric vehicles in the UK. Pelican Bus & Coach The buses, set to be deployed across various depots in England, will be funded through a combination of Stagecoach, local authorities, and national government initiatives. This move underscores Stagecoach's dedication to sustainable transport and its ongoing efforts to connect communities in an eco-friendly way. Additional Orders for Single-Deckers Following the recent delivery of 23 single-deckers to Sheffield, Pelican has secured additional orders totalling 158 single-deck electric buses. This means Stagecoach is now the largest operator of Yutong electric vehicles in the UK, with over 200 orders. Deployment Across England ...

In a big step towards greener public transport, Stagecoach has placed a substantial order for 244 new zero-emission buses from Alexander Dennis. This order, the largest of its kind to date for the bus manufacturer, highlights Stagecoach's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and improving sustainable travel options across the UK. Alexander Dennis Support from Local Authorities Stagecoach collaborated with various local authorities across England to secure successful bids in the second round of the UK Government’s Zero-Emission Regional Bus Areas scheme (ZEBRA 2). With the funding awarded, Stagecoach has placed the largest single order of Alexander Dennis’ zero-emission buses to date. The Fleet: Enviro400EV Double Deckers Among the new buses, 180 will be Enviro400EV double deckers. These vehicles follow similar models previously purchased by Stagecoach with ZEBRA 1 funding, currently being delivered and commissioned. The Enviro400EV boasts an impress...

Bus manufacturer Wrightbus has launched a new re-powering service, replacing older diesel engines in buses with new zero-emission electric powertrains. Wrightbus launches NewPower in Bicester - Wrightbus NewPower, operating from a high-tech factory in Bicester, Oxfordshire, aims to speed up the decarbonisation process by converting older buses to electric at a much lower cost than buying new ones. Wrightbus is the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to offer this service, using the skills of its 1,800-strong workforce. This service is being hailed as an affordable way to reduce emissions, especially for bus operators with mid-life fleets who can't afford new zero-emission buses. The conversion process is quick, taking as little as three weeks, with space to work on six buses at once, allowing for up to 500 conversions a year. Wrightbus has a history of innovation, including producing the world’s first hydrogen bus and the iconic London Routemaster. The company plans to expa...

This weekend, we had the pleasure of attending the North West Vehicle Restoration Trust's (NWVRT) Running Day in Kirkby, a delightful event for vintage vehicle enthusiasts. I was invited to attend by Macauley and his Dennis Dart MPD 8.8M. The event was a nostalgic journey, offering a unique glimpse into the history and charm of these vintage buses. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) Our Experience Arriving at the event, we were greeted by a bustling scene filled with beautifully restored buses from various eras. Macauley's Dennis Dart MPD stood out with its striking Blackpool Transport livery. The atmosphere was electric, with enthusiasts and families alike exploring the buses, sharing stories and taking countless photographs. The highlight was, of course, riding Macauley's Dennis Dart MPD. The bus ran smoothly, a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining these vehicles. As we toured around Kirkby, the nostalgia was palpable. The combination of the bus...

Stagecoach has ushered in a new era of sustainable transport in South Yorkshire with the introduction of their first fleet of electric buses. Partnering with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the Department for Transport, this initiative marks a significant step towards cleaner air and reduced congestion in the region. Pelican Bus & Coach ZEBRA Funding Success This initiative marks South Yorkshire’s successful bid for Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) funding from the Department for Transport, supporting efforts to improve local air quality and reduce congestion. State-of-the-Art Yutong Vehicles Supplied by Pelican Bus & Coach, the new electric buses feature distinctive “electro” branding and bespoke interiors. These buses represent Stagecoach’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2035, a significant milestone in their sustainability journey. “We are so proud to be introducing these state-of-the-art buses into ...

A bus service promising a "convenient and scenic journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District" has made a welcome comeback. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) The Stagecoach X8 bus service, which traverses between Lancashire and the Lakes, recommenced operations on Saturday 30th March, and will run until the 20th October 2024. Each Saturday, the X8 bus departs from Chorley, ferrying passengers through some of the most charming locales in the region, including Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick. According to a spokesperson for Stagecoach, the revival of the service heralds good tidings for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. "Good news for people who love walking and exploring!" the spokesperson exclaimed. "You'll be treated to breathtaking vistas and a seamless journey as you traverse these enchanting spots. "Whether you're an avid hiker seeking challenging trails, a nature aficionado yearning for tranquility, or simply...

Hold onto your seats – Warrington’s streets are about to get a whole lot greener. At a special Zero Emissions Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) event, Warrington unveiled its shiny new yellow eBus, giving locals their first glimpse of the eco-friendly fleet set to take over.   Warrington’s Own Buses / Volvo Picture this: 105 brand-new electric buses, set to phase out diesel ones. Yep, Warrington’s saying goodbye to fossil fuels and hello to state-of-the-art Volvo BZL Electrics. It’s one of the largest orders of electric buses in the UK, and it’s kicking off this summer . This is more than just a fancy fleet – it’s Warrington’s leap towards a cleaner, quieter future. And the best part? The charging system for these buses will be powered entirely by green energy, thanks to EO Charging. No tailpipe emissions. Less noise. More breathe-easy moments for everyone. Warrington Borough Council Leader and Cabinet Member for highways and transport, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “These are exciting times fo...

A brand-new fleet of Bee Network buses is being rolled out to passengers in Bolton and Wigan. Transport for Greater Manchester By bringing buses under local control, Greater Manchester can define the types of buses that should run on Bee Network services – and now the first of 67 state-of-the-art low-emission buses, operated by Diamond, are taking to the streets. It follows the introduction of 50 new Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) in September, with a further 50 due to be introduced over the coming months. With investment from Diamond, via its contracts to run locally controlled services, passengers will experience improvements, including frequent services and better, more modern buses operating across Wigan and Bolton. The new fleet is serving communities that were often not prioritised by operators before franchising, with companies tending to target busier, more profitable routes. The routes the new buses are running on are just as important as busier routes and often provide the only a...

People of Liverpool and the Wirral, rejoice! Mayor Steve Rotheram has just unwrapped an early Christmas present for late-night commuters and shift workers alike: the revival of a cross river night bus service. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) In a move aimed at enhancing convenience for the Liverpool City Region, this nocturnal journey is set to re-enter the scene from the 8th December 2023, providing a lifeline for those working or enjoying the city's nightlife during the early hours. Operated by Stagecoach, the N1 will roll into action just before midnight every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, traversing the Mersey Tunnel until approximately 5am. Mayor Rotheram, in collaboration with local campaigners, students, and the hospitality industry, has championed the return of this vital service, which faced suspension during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said, “We’re about to enter the busiest time of the year for our visit...