The government has praised ongoing efforts to reduce bus emissions in the West Midlands.
According to transport minister Norman Baker, the region has put itself in the "vanguard of a green transport revolution", reports the Coventry Observer.
He singled out of the efforts of local bus operator Travel de Courcey in particular, as it has just started rolling out electric buses that do not emit any carbon and can be charged in just 40 minutes.
Mr Baker said the firm, along with transport authority Centro, has adopted a highly "forward thinking approach" that is likely to yield positive results both for passengers and for the environment.
Indeed, he said that embracing eco-friendly public transport solutions will lead to "better journeys for passengers, less noise and air pollution and lower carbon emissions".
The three electric single-decker buses are understood to be the first such vehicles to be used on the UK's roads.
They will operate between the centre and southern areas of Coventry, while charging points will be easily accessible to ensure the batteries remain fit for purpose throughout the day.
Coventry City Council has also hailed the move by Travel de Courcey, as it believes projects such as this help to showcase the region on a national platform.
Councillor Lynnette Kelly, head of city development at the authority, said Coventry is proud to be earning a reputation as a place that has embraced low carbon transport solutions.
"The launch of the new service shows how the city is taking a lead role in innovation and environmental matters," she commented.
This comes after transport secretary Justine Greening identified rolling out eco-friendly buses as a priority for the government. £30 million is currently being invested in this area, which could significantly help to cut the fleet emissions of bus operators across the UK.
