Warrington’s Own Buses has moved into a new £10 million depot kitted out with chargers ready for the introduction of 105 new buses next year.
The new facility on Dallam Lane replace the previous depot on Wilderspool Causeway and was funded by Warrington Borough Council, the Towns Fund and the Getting Building fund.
Warrington’s Own Buses’s fleet is set to be fully electrified next year, courtesy of a Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme which was given the go-ahead on 13 February.
The first electric vehicles are not expected to enter service until the end of this year, so the depot has capacity for diesel buses in the meantime.
Managing Director of Warrington’s Own Buses, Ben Wakerley, says: “I’m really pleased that, after many years of planning, we have finally opened our new bus depot. We have been working hard to transfer our bus services and operations over from Wilderspool Causeway, and I’m very proud of our team for their support in a smooth transition for the company.
“The support from all of the organisations involved in supporting our new depot has been immense – everyone has really pulled together and I’m pleased that another important step in the continued development of Warrington’s bus services has been made.
“Better facilities will improve bus maintenance, reliability and, ultimately, improved customer service.”
Warrington council’s Hans Mundry, cabinet member for highways, transportation and public realm, adds: “The opening of the new bus depot for Warrington’s Own Buses is significant, as it paves the way for further bus service improvements.
“We have already seen a good increase in passenger numbers since we introduced our Better By Bus campaign – which has brought reduced fares and improved timetables – and we can now look forward to the new depot supporting the arrival of our cutting-edge, all-electric bus fleet – ZEBRA – next year.”
