First Bus South has begun work to electrify its depots in Minehead and Taunton, which are used by subsidiary Buses of Somerset.
The operator is preparing for the arrival of 26 new single- and double-decker electric buses from spring 2025.
The general upgrade of the depot will include the installation of charging infrastructure by Heliox.
First Bus South is investing £12.5 million into the project, with the remaining £2.2 million coming from Somerset Council via the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme.
Simon Goff, First Bus South Managing Director, says: “Today is an important milestone as work starts to transform Taunton and Minehead depots into electric ready bases for our new EVs.
“The 26 zero-emissions buses are fantastic news for passengers, bringing cleaner, greener vehicles to our routes, helping to improve air quality, and making bus travel even more sustainable.
“What’s more, the transformation of these depots will also bring smart new facilities for our staff at Taunton and Minehead.”
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Lead member for Transport and Waste services at Somerset Council, adds: “This is an important moment in our journey to bring electric buses to Somerset. The partnership with First Bus South has enabled us to take huge steps in the right direction to support the switch to sustainable methods of travel.
“We have a vision to transform bus services in our towns and working together, we are able to achieve that. I look forward to seeing the development of the Taunton and Minehead sites, and the arrival of electric buses next year.”
