The first new electric buses from First Bus South, operator of First Bus Solent, have entered service in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport, ushering in the region’s first zero-emissions buses.
They are the first of 62 buses which will be rolled over the coming weeks for passengers on a range of routes.
The company says the British made zero emission buses from manufacturer Wrightbus, mean cleaner air and quieter streets for local people. Offering a smoother, more comfortable ride, on board they are fitted with features including USB charging points, on screen and audio announcements, and the latest in accessibility design.
The £28.6m project to bring electric buses to the Solent region is due to a partnership with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council which secured £12.7m from government ZEBRA funding along with a £15.9m investment from First Bus South, the operator of bus services in the Solent region.
The introduction of the new electric vehicles (EVs) will mean that when all 62 buses are in service by the Summer, nearly half of the total fleet (42%) operated by First Bus Solent will be electric.
(Picture – First Bus)
