09 October, 2024: In a significant move towards sustainable transport, First Bus West of England & Wales, one of the UK’s largest bus operators, has officially commenced a £59 million project to electrify its bus depots in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare. This initiative aims to enhance the local bus network with a fleet of electric vehicles, reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner air in the region.
The ambitious plan includes a £37.4 million investment to electrify the Hengrove depot in Bristol, which will see the introduction of 74 electric buses into the city’s transport system. The project is set to kick off at the end of October and has also secured £6.6 million in funding from the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) program.
Meanwhile, in Weston-super-Mare, a £14.9 million project is underway, with construction equipment already arriving at the site. First Bus is investing £12.8 million, complemented by an additional £2.1 million from ZEBRA funding. This project will add 24 new electric buses to the Weston network, bringing the total percentage of electric vehicles to 33% in the area. Overall, once the projects are completed, the Hengrove depot is expected to operate with an impressive 65% of its fleet being electric, marking a pivotal shift in the region's public transport landscape.
Construction teams from NG Bailey are tasked with the Hengrove project, while Magnus Construction Group will oversee the Weston-super-Mare site. Both projects are anticipated to be completed by March 2025, with the electric buses expected to arrive shortly thereafter. The electrification of these depots will not only modernise First Bus’s fleet but will also facilitate charging for local companies' electric vehicles.
In the company press release, Doug Claringbold, Managing Director at First Bus West of England & Wales, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This week is a real ground-breaking moment for the West of England, as we see the first signs of a new electric, zero emission era for bus travel in our region.These will be the first electric buses we welcome into our West of England fleet, providing not only a comfier, quieter and smoother ride for customers, but also helping us to deliver a more reliable service and, importantly, bus travel that is even better for the environment. We’re proud as a company to be investing more than £50m into this project, which will be our biggest in this region for decades, and supports First Bus’ commitment to have a zero-emissions fleet by 2035.”
As the UK pushes towards greener transport solutions, First Bus's electrification efforts reflect a broader commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable travel options for communities in the West of England.
