Almost 100 new electric buses are set to hit the streets in Weston-super-Mare and Bristol thanks to electrification projects carried out by First Bus
The West of England’s first electrified bus depot has been officially unveiled as the region’s first electric buses took to the streets in Weston-super-Mare. The depot has been transformed thanks to a £14.9 million investment from First Bus and the Government’s Zero Emissions Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) project via North Somerset Council. A fleet of 24 new Yutong U11DD electric buses will operate on two key services in North Somerset; the X1 from Weston-super-Mare to Bristol and X4 between Portishead and Bristol. First says the opening marks a major milestone in its commitment to have a zero-emission fleet by 2035.
The site has been equipped with overhead gantries, which will deliver power to the new electric buses, which represent over a third of First Bus’ fleet at the depot. Managing Director for First Bus in the West of England Doug Claringbold said: “Today is a major milestone in bringing smoother, quieter and more reliable bus journeys to our customers, and making sustainable transport even better for the environment, supporting our commitment to have a zero-emission fleet by 2035. Seeing our depot and buses unveiled today has been a really proud moment for me and our teams in Weston-super-Mare and across First Bus, who have worked so hard with contractors and our local authority partners to secure this project and bring it to the West of England.
“This is our biggest investment in the local area for decades, and what we have created here in Weston will help secure a cleaner solution for transport for future generations and help inspire the nation to love and use the bus.”
Alongside officially launching the new depot and vehicles, North Somerset Council also announced plans to revamp up to 130 bus shelters on key routes including stops with ‘living roofs,’ solar panels and benches made from thousands of recycled CDs as part of its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
Also in the coming weeks, First Bus and North Somerset Council will launch a new educational programme, which will see an electric bus visit local schools, giving pupils the chance to explore the new buses, be taught the key skills on how to catch and travel on a bus, and learn more about travelling sustainably. In addition, youngsters will also have the opportunity to adopt and design local bus shelters, and create a new, modern, futuristic design for the new Wallace & Gromit character Norbot as part of First Bus’ partnership with the Grand Appeal.
Cllr Hannah Young, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “This is a landmark moment for North Somerset and a huge step forward in our journey towards a greener future. Investing in zero-emission buses and improving our transport infrastructure will not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve the experience for passengers.
“A key part of this scheme is inspiring the next generation to choose to use the bus as a convenient, reliable, and sustainable way to travel. By engaging children through school visits and creative initiatives, we are working to build long-term habits that help to reduce congestion, improve air quality and support our communities to retain local services. By working in partnership with First Bus, we are proud to be leading the way in the West of England to bring this environment-friendly investment to North Somerset.”
Buses for Bristol
Meanwhile, First Bus and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority will also soon be unveiling the first electrified Bristol depot at Hengrove, which will be home to 74 new electric buses for Bristol services.
The £44 million investment, which includes £6.6 million of Government funding secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, has seen the company’s Hengrove depot transformed with five power gantries. The project is expected to be completed by early May.
Mayor of the West of England Dan Norris said: “I’ve been proud to invest in better buses for the West of England during my four years as Mayor. Funding secured by my Mayoral Combined Authority is helping power up the First Bus depot in Hengrove, and the 74 new electric buses that will use it from this summer.”
Both depots will also provide facilities for local companies to charge their electric vehicles.
