We’ve got the power – could you be the face of Harrogate’s electrifying new buses?

The Harrogate Bus Company launches search for locals to get in the picture – on the back of a sparkling new electric bus

Could you be the star on the back of a sparkling new electric bus in Harrogate?

The spa town’s leading bus operator, The Harrogate Bus Company, is launching a quest to find friendly locals ready to enjoy a moment of fame … with their picture proudly displayed on the back of one of its new zero emission electric buses!

The chance to become part of Harrogate’s future transport is being offered to local people, including individuals, families, businesses and community groups.

And to secure a spot on the back of one of 20 all-new Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric single decker buses, star-struck hopefuls simply need to join the party being staged in Harrogate later this month to unveil the first of the new buses.

The Harrogate Bus Company’s Project and Marketing Manager Matt Burley said: “We’re planning to showcase the best of Harrogate and the surrounding area on the back of our new buses – including Knaresborough, Wetherby and Pateley Bridge, as all three will be served by our new electric single-deckers.

“To become one of the area’s most recognised faces, you don’t have to be a celebrity already – all you need to do is come along to our family fun party to welcome the first of our new electric buses, at 3.30pm on Tuesday, 18 June in front of The Yorkshire Hotel on Prospect Place in Harrogate town centre.

“Our photographer will be on hand to take your photo – and the best pictures will be displayed on the back of one of our amazing new all-electric buses when they enter service this summer.

“It’ll be first come, first to be in the picture – so if you fancy becoming famous, or you want to promote your business or community group, school or nursery, make sure you’re there when we get this party started!”

The programme for the free family fun party to launch Harrogate’s new electric buses is being kept under wraps for now, but the bus firm has already lined up music and live dance displays by local schools plus entertainment for all the family, including face painting, balloon modelling and an amazing magician.

There’ll also be exciting prize giveaways with the chance to win free days out – by bus, of course – with refreshments available.

The new electric buses will run on The Harrogate Bus Company’s busy urban route 1 between Harrogate and Knaresborough, route 7 linking Harrogate, Wetherby and Leeds, and rural route 24 between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge, with the new vehicles due to enter service this summer.

A further 19 new Alexander Dennis Enviro 400EV fully electric double deck buses will relaunch the company’s flagship interurban route, The 36, linking Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds, when they hit the road later this year.

The Harrogate Bus Company, a subsidiary of Transdev, has placed orders worth £21 million for 39 new electric buses and to re-equip its Starbeck depot to convert its entire Harrogate fleet to fully electric power.

The new buses are supported by £7.8 million of funding from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, following a successful bid by Transdev’s partner, North Yorkshire Council.