Oxford has officially launched one of the UK’s biggest all-electric bus fleets.
Oxfordshire County Council, Go-Ahead subsidiary Oxford Bus Company (OBC) and Stagecoach are steering the £82.5m project that will introduce 159 new battery-electric buses to the city.
Through a collaboration that includes Zenobē, EDF Energy, and manufacturers Wrightbus and Alexander Dennis, 55 Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV double-deckers will operate under Stagecoach, while Oxford Bus Company will run 99 StreetDeck Electroliners and five GB Kite Electroliner single-decks.
The initiative is partly funded by a £32.8m grant from the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, as well as investments of £6m directly from the Council and £43.7m from the bus operators.
The project also encompasses the creation of two electric charging hubs. The initiative was celebrated with a launch event at Oxford’s Divinity School, where stakeholders gathered to witness the unveiling of the buses and to discuss the future of sustainable transport in Oxford.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, highlighted the historic nature of the project, saying: “Decarbonising buses is an exciting project – and we have demonstrated that with the right strategic partnership working between the public and private sector, we can unlock investment to make it happen. We look forward to working with Oxfordshire County Council on important initiatives going forward to encourage people to travel by bus.”
Matt Carney, CEO of The Go-Ahead Group’s bus division, meanwhile underscored the impact of the venture on air quality and the company’s commitment to decarbonising its fleet. “These new buses in Oxford will form Go-Ahead’s biggest fleet of zero-emission buses outside London,” he adds. “The project is an example of bus operators working closely with local authorities to deliver for communities.”
Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director of Stagecoach West, echoed those sentiments, emphasising the role of the launch in advancing sustainable bus travel and contributing to nationwide environmental goals. “Today is a momentous day for Stagecoach West and for the city of Oxford, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in sustainable bus travel,” she says. “As a business we are fully committed to operating a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035 so the introduction of these electric vehicles onto the roads today is a big step towards this vital goal.
“I hope the introduction of these new electric vehicles will entice new passengers to bus travel and those already travelling with us can rest assured they’re already making a great choice.”
Roads Minister Guy Opperman was present for the unveiling and commented on the project’s national significance, highlighting its role in supporting skilled UK manufacturing jobs and its alignment with the government’s wider environmental objectives.
