Go-Coach puts new zero emissions electric bus on trial in Sevenoaks

LOCAL BUS company go-Coach has arranged the loan of a demonstrator 31 seat, Optare Solo Electric Vehicle, for use on Sevenoaks town route 8.

The bus gives a truly zero emissions journey and has a range of about 120 miles, which is perfect for use on the Sevenoaks Town Council route 8 service which starts at the town bus station and takes in roads surrounding the town (see picture).

Charged overnight at the company’s Otford depot, the bus needs about £9.90 of electricity to operate the route all day and has the benefit of significantly reducing the emissions of Carbon di-oxide, Nitrous Oxides and Particulate matter in to the atmosphere. It is also very smooth and quiet, reducing noise pollution too.

Austin Blackburn, managing director of go-coach said: “This is emerging new energy technology that we all need to embrace. I am pleased that we could secure the use of the bus and show the people of Sevenoaks what future bus travel has in store. I would encourage people to give it a try”.

Sevenoaks District Councillor Dr. Merilyn Canet said: “It’s good to see a local entrepreneur, leading with an electric powered bus. This bus will help to protect our environment, but we will need to find some sponsorship to counter the still expensive technology. The bus is so smooth and quiet it is lovely for travellers and pedestrians and provides clean air too.”

go-coach, the Sevenoaks-based independent bus operator, has been trading for just over 10 years and has 70 local employees, operates 45 routes, carries 5,500 passengers per day and is responsible for getting 2,250 students to school.