Work has begun to transform First Solent’s Hoeford depot in Fareham to operate 62 new electric single-deck buses from March 2024. The project has been made possible through partnership with Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council and an investment of £12.7m from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme, alongside capital investment of around £15.9m from First.
The electric buses will be the first in the Solent area and will replace part of First’s current diesel fleet. Overall, it is expected that each electric bus will save up to 60 tonnes of tailpipe emissions per year. They will be used on routes across the Solent area, including to Southampton, Gosport, and Fareham.
In support of the project, representatives from Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council attended a launch at Hoeford depot to mark the start of infrastructure works. Simon Goff, First Bus South Managing Director, said: “Bringing electric buses to Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport is a vital project that will not only improve travel for our customers, but marks a major transformation of our Hoeford depot and its functions. This is just the start, and there are exciting times ahead for public transport across the Solent area. I am proud to be part of this extremely important partnership with Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council, as we support their plans for better air quality and cleaner, greener travel.”
Leader of Hampshire County Council Councillor Rob Humby said: “The area where these new electric buses will be operating has two clean air zones. These are locations where poor air quality is damaging to public health, so this investment marks a major milestone in cleaning up our whole transport system. If you don’t already use the bus, I encourage you to try, benefiting from the £2 flat fare.”
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation, Portsmouth City Council, added: “This is a thrilling moment in our journey to bring electric buses to Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. The partnership with First and Hampshire County Council has enabled us to take huge steps in the right direction in supporting the switch to sustainable methods of travel. We have a vision to transform bus services in our city and working together, we are able to achieve that. I look forward to seeing the development of the Hoeford site, and the arrival of electric buses early next year.”