Go North East has taken a major step toward cleaner public transport with the launch of 29 brand-new electric double-decker buses, set to operate on three of the region’s busiest routes. The project is backed by a £17 million joint investment from Go North East, the North East Combined Authority, and the Department for Transport.
The new fleet consists entirely of UK-built electric double-deckers manufactured by Wrightbus. Charging will take place at Go North East’s Riverside depot, where new infrastructure has been installed in partnership with Northern Powergrid. More than £7 million of the total funding has been provided directly by the UK government.
Over the coming weeks, the electric buses will begin carrying passengers on key routes across the region. These include the Angel 21 service between Newcastle and Durham, the X66 connecting Gateshead with the Metrocentre, and service 58, which links Newcastle, Heworth, and the Follingsby employment area.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness described the rollout as a significant milestone in the region’s transition to cleaner transport. She noted that the new buses will almost double the number of electric buses currently operating on local roads and form part of a wider expansion across the North East. McGuinness also reiterated her ambition to see diesel buses phased out within the next decade.
Beyond their environmental benefits, the new electric buses are designed to improve the passenger experience. They offer quieter journeys, zero tailpipe emissions, and a range of accessibility features, including audio-visual next-stop announcements, hearing loops, and external sounders to alert pedestrians, helping to make public transport safer and more inclusive.
Nigel Featham, Managing Director of Go North East, highlighted the real-world impact of the new fleet on daily travel. He said the buses would improve air quality while providing passengers with a more modern and comfortable way to get around the region.
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood also welcomed the investment, calling it part of a broader push toward greener transport nationwide. He said the government-backed scheme would deliver smoother, cleaner journeys for thousands of passengers across the North East.
