First Bus has celebrated the success of a fleet electrification programme in the Solent after a new report highlighted the role it played in improving air quality.
Clean Air South: Sharing solutions and good practice notes the results of the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme involving First Bus, Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council, which supported the introduction of 62 battery-electric buses in March 2024.
The report, led by the University of Southampton, states these buses have made nearly 4 million journeys and travelled 1.3 million miles, saving more than 2,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
It also highlights the effects of collaboration between local authorities, industry, healthcare organisations and communities in addressing air quality concerns.
It notes that First Solent’s fleet is now 43% zero-emission. First Bus as a whole operates around 1,500 such buses around the UK as part of its drive to have a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.
Isabel McAllister, Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer at First Bus, says: “We welcome the publication of this report and the focus it places on improving air quality across the South.
“Public transport plays a vital role in reducing emissions and congestion, particularly in urban areas such as Portsmouth and Southampton, where transport contributes significantly to poor air quality.
“Working in partnership with local authorities, including Portsmouth City Council through initiatives such as the city’s electric bus programme, we are helping support wider decarbonisation ambitions and improve local air quality.
“The report rightly highlights the importance of collaboration between industry, local government and other stakeholders.
“Addressing air quality challenges requires long-term partnership working, investment and practical solutions that make sustainable travel more accessible and attractive for customers.”
Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City at Portsmouth City Council, adds: “Portsmouth’s inclusion in the Clean Air South report highlights the real impact of the city’s shift to cleaner transport.
“First’s electric bus fleet is already cutting emissions on some of our busiest routes, improving air quality for the communities who feel pollution most. Electrification is one of several steps we’re taking to support healthier, low‑emission travel across Portsmouth.”
