Alexander Dennis (ADL) is set to deliver a fleet of 20 zero-emission hydrogen buses to Liverpool City Region after being selected as the supplier following a tendering process.
On 27 August, Liverpool City Region confirmed the fleet has been purchased through its Transforming Cities Fund and will be owned by the people of the city region. The purpose-built buses are part of a new generation of hydrogen vehicles from ADL, designed to be more energy efficient to cover greater distances between refuelling.
The buses are set to serve the region’s busiest route, between St Helens and Liverpool city centre, operated by Arriva and Stagecoach. Subject to final approval, the first vehicles could be delivered as soon as 2022. Passengers will be given a range of special features when on board, including wireless phone charging and internet access, while improved accessibility is also a feature, with capacity for wheelchair users and audio and visual announcements for next stops.
The hydrogen bus project is a key part of the Metro Mayor’s Vision for Bus, which is aiming to build a better, more reliable and affordable bus network for the city region, while contributing to wider efforts to reach net zero by 2040. The hydrogen buses will join an existing fleet which is already more than 70% low emissions, with broader plans in place to build hydrogen refuelling facilities – set to be the first of their kind in the North West – later in 2021.
