First Bus will grant broadband network provider Openreach access to battery-electric charging infrastructure at bus depots across the country, starting in Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Leicester.
Openreach joins DPD and Police Scotland in such work with First Bus. The partnership’s initial phase will see up to 30 of Openreach’s vehicles charge at those three locations while buses are in service. It will allow engineers from the BT Group subsidiary to cover more ground, reduce their environmental impact and dedicate more time to customers, the bus operator says.
First Bus adds that it is “keen to harness its EV infrastructure to help support local communities and businesses to reach their own environmental aspirations.” Openreach has over 3,000 battery-electric vehicles, but it aims to convert its fleet to zero-emission in its entirety by 2031.
Speaking about the work, First Bus Decarbonisation Programme Director Faizan Ahmad says: “We are excited about this collaboration, showcasing the power of teamwork to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the communities we serve.
“The shift to electric is a journey for businesses nationwide, and we are offering a smart, community-friendly solution that is simple and effective, and benefits everyone.”
Openreach Scotland Partnership Director Robert Thorburn notes that “businesses need to join forces” to overcome hurdles on the decarbonisation journey, and in doing so will help to drive wider adoption of battery-electric vehicles and engage with politicians on issues including charger availability.
“We are excited to try a new approach with First Bus that can potentially help both our businesses,” continues Mr Thorburn. “As two major fleet operators in the UK, it makes sense for us to explore the most efficient ways to power up our electric vans and buses.”
First Bus adds that it is keen to hear from other organisations that wish to engage in similar partnerships at its depots in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, Norwich, Portsmouth and Hoeford, and York.
