A fleet of 30 brand-new electric buses will be serving Salisbury following an investment of more than £15m by Salisbury Reds and Wiltshire Council, alongside funding from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) 2 scheme, says the Salisbury Journal.

The UK-built vehicles include 18 double deckers and 12 single deckers and mark the city’s latest step toward sustainable transport.

Ed Wills, managing director of Salisbury Reds, said:

“Salisbury Reds and Wiltshire Council have, together, made a significant investment in our new zero emission electric buses for Salisbury and the surrounding areas. I am delighted that Salisbury is at the forefront of the nation’s sustainable transport.

“Buses are the perfect solution to improving air quality, and I’d urge people living here and visiting to use these new vehicles.

“This joint investment between DfT, Salisbury Reds and Wiltshire Council will ensure greener, better, journeys for our customers – and have a significant impact Salisbury’s overall carbon emissions.”

The electric fleet features UK-built Wrightbus Electroliners (pictured), including three of which will be used on the Stonehenge Tour, and three British-built Alexander Dennis Enviro100EV single deckers.

Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council, said:

“It’s a real pleasure to see Salisbury’s new electric buses arrive and to celebrate what has been achieved through strong partnership working.

“This investment shows what’s possible when local authorities, operators and the government work together with a shared ambition for cleaner, more sustainable transport.

“These buses will make a genuine difference – improving air quality, reducing noise in the city centre and providing a more comfortable, accessible and reliable service for passengers.

“It’s a significant step forward for Salisbury and a clear statement of our shared commitment to a greener, better-connected city.”

(Picture: Wrightbus)