Norwich transport took a step into the future as the fleet’s new electric buses were officially launched.

The new era kicked off with the Pink Line number 11, ferrying passengers from the hospital into the city centre.

First East of England MD Piers Marlow said: “This is a huge step forward.

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“We can anticipate a time with no diesel.”

He added that each bus should reduce CO2 emissions by 75 tonnes per bus per year and the plan is zero tailpipe emissions by 2035.

He said: “We still believe in a zero emission agenda.

“That’s a deadline that still exists for us.”

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Aside from the low emissions, the new buses feature USB chargers and are considerably quieter than their predecessors.

The only sound is a low rumble that acts as a warning to cyclists and pedestrians.

“It’s an approved sound as used by TFL (Transport for London) and has been used in other cities throughout the country.”

Mr Marlow said the volume would be assessed and changes made if it needed to be louder.

“We’ve got to get the balance of safety and being discrete.”

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The inaugural journey’s bus driver Les Black, 49, said: “It takes a bit of getting used to.

“It’s more responsive but at the end of the day, it’s driving a bus.”

Diane Stowers, 70, from Sprowston, was pleased with the new buses.

She said: “They’re good for the environment, it’s very quiet and more comfortable.

“It’s about time they got some decent buses on the road.”

Daria Orlowska,36, from Jaroslaw, a town in Poland near the Ukraine border, said the electric bus was a better experience, although it did seem smaller than other buses.

“It’s obviously better for the environment and there’s no horrible noise at the back of the bus.”