By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 15:03, Friday, 30 March 2012

A coach company is to introduce Cumbria’s first electric-powered public buses after being awarded more than £174,000 of government funding.

Reays of Wigton, which runs the City Hopper bus service in Carlisle, is to receive the sum as part of the Department for Transport’s latest round of Green Bus Fund national awards totalling £31 million.

Reays’ share will go towards the cost of buying two specially-adapted diesel hybrid electric buses, which it will start operating on two City Hopper routes around Carlisle from next spring.

The British-made buses are extremely energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly, producing low-carbon emissions from an on-board electricity generator driven by a diesel engine.

Chris Reay, the company’s managing director, said: “This is really exciting news that will benefit everyone who lives in, works in or visits Carlisle.

“The diesel hybrid electric buses will help reduce air pollution and congestion and also cut the amount of fuel consumed, which is a boost for everyone.

“We are proud to be leading the way again for Cumbria with this pioneering and innovative initiative.

“It will deliver genuine transport and health benefits for everyone in north Cumbria.”

Reays plan to use one of the vehicles on its busy number 75 service between Dalston and Cotehill via Carlisle, with the other route yet to be decided.

First published at 14:10, Friday, 30 March 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk