The first of 62 Wrightbus GB Kite Electroliner battery-electric buses for use in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport by First Bus Solent have been put into service today.
The region’s first zero-emission buses were made possible by a successful £28.6 million bid by First Bus South, Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council in the first round of Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme (ZEBRA) funding. First Bus South contributed £15.9 million, with the remainder coming from the government.
When all the buses are in service by the summer, 42% of First Bus Solent‘s fleet will be electric.
The buses will operate from the Hoeford depot, which will have 66 electric charge heads.
Simon Goff, First Bus South’s Managing Director, says: “So much hard work and planning has gone into getting us to this point and I’m so excited to see the first EV buses go out onto the roads to serve customers in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport.
“These vehicles offer significant environmental benefits as they emit zero tailpipe emissions, which means better air quality for local people. What’s fantastic is that they’ll also improve the journey experience for our customers, providing a smoother, more comfortable ride. We hope that our passengers are as pleased with them as we are.”
The areas in which they will be deployed include two Clean-Air Zones.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO at Wrightbus, adds: “We are delighted to be supporting First Bus South in the drive to transform transport in the region and help build a more sustainable future. First Bus South, like us, is at the forefront of new and exciting technology, and our partnership enhances the reputation we have forged in playing an important part in the UK’s ambitions for decarbonisation.
“We have great ambitions both in the UK and across Europe to have many more of our buses on the roads in the future.
“All of our buses have been built in Ballymena in Northern Ireland, lending further support to the wider regional economy and allowing us to create green jobs as we continue in our growth.”
