The first of 50 Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner battery-electric double-deckers for Plymouth Citybus have been delivered.
They are being part-funded by the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA 2) fund and will replace almost half of the operator’s existing fleet. Deliveries have been proceeding steadily since 22 April. The buses will enter service in the summer with all 50 scheduled to be in use by year end.
Infrastructure work at the operator’s Milehouse depot is progressing. That will transform it into what the Go-Ahead Group subsidiary says will be “a state-of-the-art hub for charging and maintaining the electric fleet.”
In addition to funding from ZEBRA 2, the operator is investing £19.6 million into the electric bus project. Additional contributions are coming from Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council.
Says Plymouth Citybus Managing Director Richard Stevens: “The arrival of our first electric buses marks a huge step forward, not just for Plymouth Citybus but for the city as a whole.
“Our team is thrilled to be part of this positive change, and we are fully committed to building a greener transport network for generations to come.”
Across the buses’ lifetime, it is estimated that they will reduce carbon emissions by almost 80,000 tonnes, NOx output by 28 tonnes, and PM2.5 particulate matter by one tonne.
The StreetDeck Electroliners for Plymouth Citybus include a specification to accommodate two wheelchair users or multiple unfolded pushchairs or prams.
Observes Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport Cllr Mark Coker: “It is fantastic to welcome Plymouth’s first electric buses and to be supporting the establishment of Milehouse as an electric bus depot.
“This is a major milestone and demonstrates the commitment of all project partners – and [the] wider Enhanced Partnership – to delivering better bus services for the city.”
In addition to Plymouth city routes, six of the StreetDeck Electroliners will work service 70 on the Rame Peninsula. It is part of the Cornwall Council supported bus network. Cornwall Council also successfully bid to ZEBRA 2 for funding towards battery-electric buses for use in Falmouth and Truro.
