Angel 21 route between Chester-le-Street and Newcastle to go electric

Go North East has announced its ‘Angel’ 21 route between Chester-le-Street and Newcastle will run on all electric vehicles.

And nine further bus routes are lined up to be converted to electric in 2026 including the X46, 48 and 64 Arriva routes in and around Durham and Crook.

The move is part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ ambitions to get rid of all diesel buses within a decade.

She said: “I want to build a world-class public transport network for the North East and converting the whole region to electric buses is part of that journey.

“The arrival of 29 new electric vehicles on three of the region’s busiest bus routes is the latest step forward in delivering that vision, and means a smoother, cleaner ride for passengers and cleaner air for people in Gateshead, Newcastle and Chester-le-Street.”

The X66 Metrocentre to Gateshead and the 58 linking Newcastle, Heworth and the Amazon distribution centre at Follingsby will also turn electric.

She said zero emission buses are already running in Sunderland and South Tyneside, and more will follow including in Durham.

Nigel Featham from Go North East, added: “We’re proud to be working with Mayor Kim to roll out zero-emission buses on some of our most popular routes. These vehicles will make our communities cleaner, our streets quieter and our customers’ journeys even better.”