The South West region of England is set to undergo a significant step towards a more sustainable future with the introduction of 160 new electric buses. This comes as a result of a combined investment of £20 million from the government and a £70 million investment from First Bus, which will lead to the electrification of nearly half of the buses in the West of England.
The initiative will see the deployment of 160 zero-emission buses in Bristol and Bath, with a plan to electrify four out of five depots owned by First Bus in the region. By next summer, 258 buses, accounting for almost half of all buses operated by First in the West of England, will be powered by electricity.
The government has allocated a substantial amount of £37 million towards the electrification of buses nationwide, with a significant proportion dedicated to Bristol, Bath, and Weston, outstripping investments in other regions. As part of this plan, two additional First depots are set to transition to fully electric bus fleets, further supporting the overall aim of a greener public transport network.
The 160 new electric buses are expected to serve an increasing number of routes in Bristol and Bath, providing cleaner and more environmentally friendly travel options for passengers. The introduction of these electric buses aligns with the commitment to achieve a zero-emissions fleet within the next decade, as stated by Doug Claringbold, the managing director for First Bus in the West of England.
In a wider context, the investment in the West of England forms part of a nationwide initiative by the Department for Transport, with local transport minister Simon Lightwood announcing a £38 million funding allocation for the introduction of 319 new zero-emission buses across England by 2027. This funding not only aims to promote cleaner and greener bus travel but also to stimulate job creation and support local economies.
The government’s dedication to supporting local councils and domestic manufacturers has been well received, as it aligns with the broader goal of creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly transport network. Bristol city councillor Toby Wells expressed satisfaction with the funding, emphasizing its importance in accelerating the electrification of buses and contributing to the city’s environmental objectives.
The deployment of the 160 new electric buses is expected to bring about a transformation in public transport across the West of England, impacting various routes in Bristol and Bath. The electrification of these routes signifies a major commitment to establishing an eco-friendly and efficient public transport network.
