UK's electric bus route 36 operated by Transdev wins prestigious UK innovation honor
In a significant stride towards sustainable public transport, Transdev United Kingdom has introduced a state-of-the-art zero-emission bus project on The 36 route, linking Harrogate, Leeds, and Ripon. This innovative initiative, recognised as Britain's best zero-emission transport innovation, involves the delivery and operation of 19 new Alexander Dennis Enviro 400EV electric double-deck buses[1][3].
Funded partly by a £7.8 million grant from the UK Government's Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) fund and in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, this project forms part of a wider £21 million programme to replace the entire Harrogate fleet with zero-emission vehicles[1][3].
Key features of the project and buses include:
- The Enviro 400EV double-deck electric buses are custom engineered for robust, high performance in busy urban and rural sections of the route[1]. These buses cover over 100,000 kilometres (about 62,100 miles) per year each and carry over two million customer journeys annually on The 36[1][3]. - The buses boast a glazed staircase, a two-plus-one seating layout, glazed roof panels, and wireless mobile device charging, offering a level of luxury unlike anything else on Britain's bus routes[1]. - The project also includes 20 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric single-deck buses, creating a fully electric fleet for the Harrogate Bus Company[1]. - The Harrogate depot has been fully re-equipped with new technology to power and maintain the electric bus fleet, enabling 100% electric bus operation from the site[1][3]. - The Enviro 400EV buses were unveiled at a high-profile VIP launch in front of Harrogate's Yorkshire Hotel in June 2024[1]. The event included a free family party featuring red and black ice creams for children and locally brewed beer for adults.
This project has been rewarded with the Best Bus Innovation award at the UK E-Mobility Awards in 2025, recognising its technical innovation and customer popularity[1][3]. The lower deck of the Enviro 400EV buses has two dedicated wheelchair spaces and high-visibility flooring and lighting.
This zero-emission project is considered a significant step toward sustainable public transport in the UK, contributing to decarbonization goals while maintaining reliability and service quality on a premium route. The transition to an entirely electric bus fleet at Transdev's Harrogate depot presents an opportunity to develop a new bus design in partnership with a leading bus manufacturer.
- This turning point in sustainable public transport, the zero-emission bus project on The 36 route, involving the adoption of 19 Alexander Dennis Enviro 400EV electric double-deck buses, represents a collaboration between Transdev United Kingdom and North Yorkshire Council, with part funding from the UK Government's Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) fund.
- In the realm of environmental science and business, the zero-emission bus project also signifies a part of a broader initiative to replace the entire Harrogate fleet with zero-emission vehicles, contributing to the UK's decarbonization goals.
- The technology behind these electric buses extends beyond the vehicles themselves, as the Harrogate depot undergoes a re-equipping to power and maintain the electric bus fleet, marking a significant shift in the transportation industry towards sustainable solutions.
