Go North East deploys 29 electric double-deckers across Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham routes

Go North East has introduced 29 battery-electric buses into service, bringing zero-emission operation to three of the region’s busiest routes through a £17 million public–private investment.

The new vehicles were unveiled at the Utilita Arena Newcastle, underlining the strategic importance placed on bus electrification within the North East Combined Authority’s wider ambition to modernise public transport and reduce diesel dependency.

The introduction of the new buses will almost double the number of electric vehicles currently operating within the Go North East fleet.

Go North East to double its electric buses

Funded jointly by Go North East, the North East Combined Authority and the Department for Transport, the programme will see the Angel 21, X66 and service 58 routes transition to electric operation. Together, these services carry more than five million passengers annually and connect key urban centres including Newcastle, Durham and Gateshead, as well as major employment and retail destinations.

All 29 buses are UK-built Wrightbus electric double-deckers. Charging infrastructure has been installed at Go North East’s Riverside depot, with grid connections delivered by Northern Powergrid to support day-to-day operations. The vehicles feature audio-visual next-stop announcements, hearing loops and external acoustic warning systems, aligning fleet renewal with accessibility and safety requirements.

Nigel Featham, Managing Director of Go North East, said: “If you’re going to change the face of public transport in the North East, you should do it properly. These buses will make a real difference to people’s everyday lives, so a show-stopping launch felt exactly right. “We’re proud to be bringing quieter, zero-emission journeys to some of our busiest routes, improving air quality and giving passengers a more modern, comfortable experience. It was especially important to us that local schoolchildren were part of today – they’re the generation who’ll benefit most from cleaner transport.”

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: “Today was an incredibly exciting moment for the North East. To see these brand-new electric buses in the middle of the iconic Utilita Arena shows just how important buses are to local communities. “Backed by over £7 million in funding from the Government, these buses mean smoother, greener journeys for thousands of passengers across the North East. “With our landmark Bus Services Act now law and £3 billion put aside for bus services over the next three years, this is another step towards our bus revolution.”