Twenty-seven repowered electric buses are arriving in the West of England to boost the region’s transport network.
Previously operating as mid-life diesel buses, the double deckers have been transformed into electric vehicles (EVs) – making them the first repowered additions to the region’s First Bus fleet.
The repowering process will involve the removal of the buses’ engines and gearboxes to allow for batteries, new wiring, and hardware to be configured. The interior and exterior of the buses will also be refurbished.
According to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, the 27 repowered vehicles will be delivered in the next few months, with these arrivals joining a total of 137 new electric buses operating across Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Bristol’s Lawrence Hill depot, and the Hengrove depot in South Bristol.
The move is backed by a £20m investment from the Government, as well as a £70m funding boost from First Bus. It is expected that the region’s electric buses and charging infrastructure will have received roughly £150m by spring next year.
Both the Hengrove and Bath depot are currently being electrified, alongside work being carried out on the Lawrence Hill depot.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: ‘By the end of this year, more than 250 green buses will be serving passengers across the West – offering more reliable journeys and a better on-board experience. These better buses will ultimately help cut congestion and pollution as a result of some £150m of joint investment.’
Cllr Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery at Bath & North East Somerset Council, added: ‘Investment like this in Bath and North East Somerset helps improve reliability, comfort and accessibility, while supporting a better experience for residents and visitors.’
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Photo: © Jon Craig – West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
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