Electric buses take to the roads in Coventry

Buses similar to this one will operate along a Park and Ride route in Coventry

Electric buses will soon be running on the roads in Coventry.

Coventry firm Travel de Courcey is to introduce the three buses in May next year, on its Park and Ride South route.

The 38-seat buses will run between the Memorial Park in Kenilworth Road and the city centre using power points already installed by the council.

A Travel de Courcey spokesman said the company had been looking to improve its vehicles, both environmentally and from a passenger perspective.

The buses, Versa EV's, are provided by Optare plc of Leeds. Travel de Courcey has invested £400,000, the government's Green Bus Fund has invested £300,000 and Centro, which looks after public transport in the West Midlands, has contributed £100,000.

Mike de Courcey, from the bus firm, said when it heard about the Green Bus Fund it seemed a good opportunity for the firm.

"The electric buses are ideal for urban driving where the vehicle is stopping and starting," he said.