Proposals to launch a fleet of electric buses in Liverpool have moved a step closer with plans to build a charging sub-station surfacing.

Arriva North West is seeking permission to add the facility to its depot on Green Lane in Stoneycroft.

If Liverpool City Council gives the plans the greenlight, the public transport company will add 12 electrical vehicles to its Merseyside fleet.

The new vehicles promise to be more environmentally friendly than their standard counterparts, but their introduction will not spell an increase in Arriva buses on the roads, with the firm planning to replace existing vehicles with electric ones.

The proposals are part of a broader transport initiative which aims to ultimately pave the way for the Liverpool City Region’s first all-electric bus route.

A statement issued to the council reads: “Arriva North West has been working closely over a number of months in conjunction with Symphony EV and Merseytravel in bringing to life this project and should the application be granted would result in a ground breaking investment to the electrification of part of Arriva North West’s fleet.

“The current Transport Plan for Growth (TPfG) has a specific strategic goal focused on reducing emissions from transport. This recognises the regional situation in regard to air quality, legislation and the health, social, economic and environmental effects of poor air quality.”

There are already a number of electric vehicle charging points across the Liverpool City Region, including terminals at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Royal Liverpool Hospital, Mount Pleasant car park and several train stations.

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