Bus operator Go North East has expanded its zero emission fleet with a further nine electric buses from Pelican Engineering.

The QuayCity-branded Voltra E12s, which follow the roll-out of nine E10s in 2020, are the result of a £2 million investment with top-up funding from government’s Ultra-Low Emission Bus Fund.

They will serve the Q3 route which runs from Great Park to Wallsend via Newcastle City and the investment reflects Go-Ahead’s commitment to a ‘net zero’ bus fleet by 2035.

The buses include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, wireless and USB charging phone holders, and ‘tap-on tap-off’ contactless is available for passengers to pay for their travel through Google Pay or Apple Pay.

Also in the specification is the Yutong Electrical Safety System, which has debuted in the UK since the earlier E10s were delivered.

The buses will be charged overnight at Go North East’s Gateshead Riverside depot.

Nigel Featham, Managing Director at Go North East, said: “We’ve looked at every detail, working with Pelican Yutong and other suppliers, to maximise the use of technology and innovation.

“We’re providing high standards in bus travel including customer comfort, information, and ticketing.

“We hope that by adding to our zero-emission bus fleet, we can help flip the switch on people’s behaviour and see more people across our region leave the car behind to help reduce congestion on our roads and improve air quality for us all.”