A SWEDISH transport operator has become one of the first in the country to run all electric buses after enlisting the help of North Yorkshire bus manufacturer Optare.
The Sherburn-in-Elmet based business has supplied three environmentally friendly Optare Solo electric buses to Karlstadsbuss.
The buses, which save around 80 per cent energy when compared to diesel or gas vehicles, are in operation on three routes in Karlstad.
Peter Kullgren, chairman of City Planning, said: "Karlstad is one of the first cities in Sweden and Europe to focus on pure electric buses. The initiative is an important step towards a sustainable Karlstad."
Mattias Bergh, head of Karlstadsbuss said: "As more people choose public transport, we saw a need to acquire more buses.
" As the larger gas-fuelled buses were needed on the heavier lines, we saw an opportunity to use smaller buses on the centre lines. Electric technology proved to be a viable and competitive alternative."
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