Stagecoach has introduced its first electric buses into Chesterfield in a project which is part of a £31 million investment in partnership with Derbyshire County Council and the UK Government.
Stakeholders were able to get a look at the new Yutong single-deck buses and Alexander Dennis double-deck buses at a launch event held at Barrow Hill on Friday 14 March. They will replace over two-thirds of Stagecoach’s diesel fleet in Chesterfield and across the north-eastern part of Derbyshire, and the project has included installing a charging infrastructure with a 4.5MW power supply to Chesterfield depot.
A total of 57 single and double-decker electric buses are being introduced into the town. The project is part of Derbyshire’s successful bid for Zero Emission Bus Regional (ZEBRA) funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) in partnership with Derbyshire City Council (DCC) and Stagecoach. The ZEBRA2 grant funding totals £5,755,126, and Stagecoach investment has been £25,308,928, which the operator believes is the largest investment ever in bus travel in the Chesterfield local area.
Stagecoach Yorkshire’s Managing Director Matt Kitchin said “We are delighted to be introducing this significant investment in electric bus services for the region covering North East Derbyshire and South Sheffield. The arrival of these state-of-the-art buses provides a much improved experience for our customers including next stop announcements, air-conditioning and zero emissions for the communities we serve.
“This project reflects Stagecoach’s commitment to achieving net zero to help tackle climate change and contribute to the future of zero-emission travel.” Councillor Charlotte Cupit, Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport at Derbyshire County Council, added: “We’re excited to be part of, and supporting, this investment into electric buses in Derbyshire. Not only do they lower carbon emissions, but the air conditioning and other new technology on board provides a comfier journey. Enjoy a ride on one soon!”
