The introduction of new electric buses is set to revolutionize the transportation landscape in Somerset. Transport campaigners have hailed the move as “transformational,” citing the potential for increased reliability and comfort for local residents. With a significant investment of £14.7m earmarked for electric buses, Somerset’s public transport system is on the brink of a major upgrade. This funding, spearheaded by FirstBus South and supported by the Department for Transport’s zero-emission bus regional area (ZEBRA) scheme, will see 26 new electric vehicles servicing key routes from early-April.
The upgraded Hamilton Road depot in Taunton now boasts charging facilities for these new vehicles, with one of the buses already on display at Castle Green in Taunton town centre, offering a glimpse of the future of public transportation in Somerset. Featuring amenities like USB chargers at every seat, these state-of-the-art buses are expected to offer a quieter, more eco-friendly travel experience.
The electric buses will ply eight key routes in the western part of Somerset, with the majority being double-deckers, except for the 28 to Minehead, which will be served by single-deckers due to infrastructural limitations. This move by FirstBus reinforces their commitment to Somerset and signifies a substantial improvement in the reliability and quality of bus services, catering to the needs of passengers.
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The new buses' impressive 200-mile range per charge ensures minimal disruption to services in rural areas, addressing concerns about infrastructure-readiness. This development is particularly welcomed by residents and authorities, as it addresses longstanding issues of reliability and quality within the public transport system. It is anticipated that these buses will contribute to a more positive experience for passengers, leading to increased confidence and usage.
The long-term impact of the electric buses extends to future developments, such as Orchard Grove, where the buses will create better connectivity options, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly travel choices for the community. Furthermore, this initiative forms part of the council’s bus service improvement plan (BSIP), focusing on both revenue and capital projects to enhance the overall public transport infrastructure in Somerset, with projects like the new Taunton transport hub on the horizon.
The commitment of FirstBus South to greener services and the wider aspiration to introduce electric vehicles in the eastern part of the county in the future reveal a concerted effort to bolster sustainable transport solutions across Somerset.
