Liverpool, England--A fleet of six
fully accessible low floor electric buses is providing free shuttle service between the
center of Birkenhead, the ferry terminal, and tourist attractions in the Liverpool metro
region in the United Kingdom's largest "eco-bus" project. The five-year
demonstration project, supported by the European Union and U.K. local government partners,
is coordinated by Merseytravel and operated under contract by First Crosville, a private
transit provider.
Part of the SMART-ECO program designed to improve urban
air quality, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and provide people-friendly transport in the
region, the $3 million Merseytravel project includes:
six zero emission electric buses;
full accessibility for people with mobility problems;
bright and comfortable green SMART-ECO shelters; and
electronic real time "next bus" passenger
information displays.
The SMART-ECO program also includes a fleet of compressed
natural gas-powered buses, which entered service in neighboring Southport a month ago.
Merseytravel Vice Chair Hugh Lloyd told a press conference at the launch of the project
that on-street emissions from buses would be virtually zero if SMART-ECO were extended
across Merseyside.
The first of the new yellow and green
"eco-buses" was piloted by Wirral Mayor Margaret Green at the launch of the
service last November.
Earlier in the year, Merseytravel was awarded the European
Public Transport Prize honoring the work of the Community Links Team, a local initiative
that is taking public transport issues into the community and schools, involving local
residents in vital transport decisions that affect their daily lives. Community Links
activities include:
education projects in schools and colleges across the
Merseyside region;
contacts with young people and organized youth groups on
travel issues;
public relations campaigns such as "Green Transport
Month"; and
helping communities deliver work-related community
transport.
Merseyside Chair Mark Dowd welcomed the award, noting,
"Community Links is about breaking down the boundaries between decision makers and
the public. It is a real partnership in action. We are pleased the EU has recognized this
drive for public accountability."
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