NEW electric buses will take to the streets of York this month, as part of a landmark trial.

York will become the first UK city outside of London to try the new, fully electric double decker buses from North Yorkshire firm Optare, with the new vehicles running from Monks Cross Park & Ride over the next month.

Representatives from City of York Council, First York and Optare welcomed the first Metrodecker EV in York on Monday, and said it would run on some city routes in coming weeks.

The buses give out zero emissions and is fully electric, able to carry 99 passengers and has a range of almost 150 miles from one overnight charge.

City of York Council has promised improvements to the Park & Ride, with the introduction of greener buses, following the adoption of a number of single-decker electric buses in recent years.

Cllr Ian Gillies, executive member for transport at the council, said he was pleased to see more green vehicles on the city’s roads.

He said: “There will be at least three electric double-deckers among the 14 electric buses on our Park & Ride routes.

“These Park & Ride buses will play a major role in continuing to improve the air quality in York, as well as giving an increasing number of passengers a safe, quick journey across the city.”

Marc Bichtemann, managing director at First York, said the introduction of the new double-deckers was “another milestone to celebrate in what is already a thriving Park & Ride scheme in York”. He said: “As one of the UK’s major bus operators, we understand the vital role we play in helping to solve the air quality challenge facing the country and I’m thrilled to welcome the trial of the future of bus travel to York today.”

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for the environment at the council, said: “This innovation is very welcome to improve air quality in York. The bus was on display at the One Planet York Conference in June and it is great to see locally built buses on the streets of York.” Robert Drewery, from Optare, said the introduction of the Metrodecker EV was “a breakthrough in public transport”, and would improve air quality in the city.