First Bus will further expand its fleet of battery-electric buses in the East of England via a joint project with Norfolk County Council to procure 24 such double-deckers for Great Yarmouth and Norwich.
The operator already has a fleet of Wrightbus double- and single-deck battery-electrics in Norwich that were part-funded by the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme, and a smaller number of mid-life double-deckers that have been repowered to battery-electric.
Under the latest £13.8 million investment, First Bus will contribute £8.9 million. The remainder will come from Norfolk’s Bus Service Improvement Plan stream. The 24 additional vehicles are due in service by autumn 2026.
Caister Road depot in Great Yarmouth will be upgraded with charging infrastructure to support 10 of the vehicles, which will be deployed to route 8 between James Paget Hospital and Caister via the town centre. The other 14 will go to Vulcan Road depot in Norwich.
Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport Cllr Graham Plant describes the further investment as “a landmark moment for public transport” in the county.
“We have been working closely with operators to support their electrification plans, and I am delighted that our partnership with First Bus has secured this significant investment for Norfolk,” Cllr Plant continues.
“We know from feedback that passengers in Norwich are already enjoying the benefits that come with travelling on an electric vehicle – and now even more people will get to enjoy the enhanced passenger experience with these new buses.”
First Bus East of England Managing Director Piers Marlow has echoed Cllr Plant’s words and says that the operator is proud to be working with Norfolk County Council to make the further rollout of battery-electric buses possible.
“This joint investment in vehicles and depot infrastructure is another important step towards a cleaner, healthier future for everyone who lives, works and travels in Norfolk,” adds Mr Marlow.
