Guildford Borough Council has announced that it is to invest in a new fleet of 10 electric minibuses that will help reduce CO2 emissions from fuel by 52,400kg per year and improve reliability over existing diesel vehicles.
Cllr Julia McShane, Lead Councillor for Community Health, Support and Wellbeing said: “Our Dial-a-Ride service provides help for those who need a hand getting around the borough due to mobility problems. We are pleased that we can continue to provide this valued service with our new electric fleet, which will help reduce fuel emissions and make our streets a greener, cleaner place to be.
“The average daily mileage of our minibuses is 50 miles, which means we will not need to charge the buses every day. Over time the cost of an electric fleet is less than diesel and uses cleaner energy.”
Cllr McShane added: “We already have a number of electric vehicles and will continue to grow our electric fleet – just one way we are helping to tackle climate change in our borough.”
Dial-a-Ride is a door-to-door service, providing transport to a range of locations, appointments, and social activities in Guildford and key towns in the surrounding area. These include shopping, centres for older people, voluntary sector activities, social clubs, work, visiting friends and family, and hospital and medical appointments. There is a small annual membership charge and a charge for each trip.
The council is currently in the early procurement stages of looking at suitable vehicles.