Zero Emission Buses

In 2019 Coventry launched their first 10 fully electric National Express buses. The new electric buses have been largely modernised and include many new features such as extra legroom, Free Wi-Fi, USB power for charging devices, stop announcements, CCTV and you are able to explore on a virtual tour before getting on the bus in person.

The virtual tour can be found at https://youtu.be/pPHfctjQUp0

This year, an additional 130 buses have been introduced. Coventry is becoming the first all-electric bus city, which is a huge step for the environment and global warming. The buses have no engine and are completely battery powered meaning they release 62% fewer emissions than an average diesel bus.

The end goal is for Coventry to become electric by 2025.

68-year-old Coventry local, Lilian Pollard went on to speak about what she thought of the new buses. “It’s wonderful really, you know everything changes and it was well overdue with all the climate changes and global warming issues we’re facing today.” Lilian has lived in Coventry for 60 years, moving here when she was just 8 years old. She went on to explain how the new upgrades also made her feel a lot safer. “It seems a lot cleaner, which is expected after the pandemic, and a lot more spacious which is great. I used to get on the bus and have someone practically sitting on my lap.” After the pandemic, lots of the basic guidelines are still being followed unconsciously. People are still keeping their distance when possible, many people are still wearing masks on public transport and confined spaces and a lot more is available online. These buses seem to be perfectly designed for the many who are still concerned about the virus with the extra space making it easier to keep their distance.

I also spoke with 20-year-old Katie Marvin who said “These buses make me feel a lot safer if I’m honest. I work night shifts and being a young woman travelling alone and night and early morning can be quite frightening. But I don’t really worry with these buses, I know I can charge my phone if it dies, there’s constant CCTV and just that fact that’s it’s all so much roomier makes me feel a lot more comfortable.”

Young women’s safety specifically, has always been a concern, especially more recently and with these new changes it is nice to hear that it is bringing comfort to these women. The more modernised adaptations such as the Wi-Fi and USB ports takes away the concern of phones dying or not being able to contact someone in the event of an emergency.

I also spoke with Michael Farren who said “I didn’t really see the need for change at the time, to be completely honest with you. But I guess it’s just one of those things that we didn’t think we needed until it was implemented.”

This is a huge step the Coventry community, and undoubtably a big positive change for our environment.