Fleet of 20 low emission hydrogen buses headed for Liverpool in 2022

A supplier has been chosen to provide Liverpool City Region with a fleet of 20 zero emission hydrogen buses, with the first due to arrive in 2022.

Why is Liverpool getting hydrogen buses?

The buses form part of Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram’s plan to build a more reliable and affordable bus network and reach a target for the region to become net zero carbon by 2040.

The new, purpose-built buses are designed to be more energy efficient to cover greater distances between refuelling.

The Metro Mayor added that 82% of all journeys on public transport in the region are taken by bus and the new fleet will give people a “clean, green and comfortable way to get about”.

Hydrogen refuelling facilities, due to be the first in the North West, are set to be built later this year.

Who is supplying the buses?

Scottish-based company, Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), the largest bus and coach manufacturer in the UK, will be providing the vehicles.

The fleet will be purchased through the Liverpool City Region’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Where will they be running?

It is planned that the buses will initially serve the region’s busiest route – the 10A between St Helens and Liverpool city centre, jointly operated by Arriva and Stagecoach.

The buses will carry a range of special features for passengers including wireless phone charging and internet access.

The vehicles will also have improved accessibility – with increased capacity for wheelchair users, and audio and visual announcements for next stops.

What’s been said

ADL President and Managing Director, Paul Davies, said: “With its investment in this new fleet of hydrogen buses, the Combined Authority has chosen the latest in clean technology for the Liverpool City Region. We are delighted they have put their confidence in ADL to deliver their green agenda.

“Our next generation H2.0 platform builds on 25 years of experience in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Designed and built in Britain, these buses will help to secure skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the bus manufacturing industry which is hugely important as we continue the decarbonisation journey.”

Metro Mayor Rotheram said: “Reforming our bus network is a massive part of my plan for an integrated London-style transport network that makes travelling around our region quick, cheap and reliable.

“We want to be doing our bit to tackle climate change and improve air quality across the region too. These buses will be a really important part of making that happen.”

Additional air quality resources

Meanwhile, schools across Liverpool will be able to access free education about air quality and pollution, through the Metro Mayor’s Community Environment Fund.

The Clean Air Crew website, designed and developed by teachers and environmental officers from the Southport Eco Centre, will provide fun interactive cartoon-style resources and games for children.

Teachers can access a wide range of topic-based curriculum resources and parents will be able to use home learning materials.

📧Contact us: email us at [email protected] or find us onFacebook,Instagram orTwitter.