The first new electric buses from First Bus in Somerset have entered service this month, and are being used in Burnham-On-Sea, marking a step forward for cleaner, greener public transport in the region.
A total of 13 single deckers, and 12 double deckers are being rolled out over the coming months for passengers on routes across Taunton, Wellington, Burnham-On-sea, Bridgwater and Minehead.
Funding for the EV buses and supporting charging infrastructure was secured in partnership with Somerset Council, with £2.2m coming from the Department for Transport’s ZEBRA 2 – Zero Emission Bus Regional Area – scheme.
First Bus invested a further £12.5m in the project.
The introduction of the new EVs will mean that when all 25 buses are in service by the summer, 40% of the total fleet will be electric, carrying about 40,000 passengers per week.
On board, the buses include practical features such as USB charging points, on-screen and audio announcements, and improved accessibility designed to better support all passengers.
Simon Goff, First Bus South’s Managing Director, said, “For our passengers, these vehicles offer a smoother, quieter, and more comfortable journey, while significantly cutting emissions and improving air quality.”
“It’s also a proud moment for our team, who’ve been instrumental in getting us to this point and are excited to operate and maintain these state-of-the-art vehicles.”
“This is just the beginning of a transformation that benefits both our communities and our colleagues.”
Regular Highbridge bus passenger Ian Cook, who travelled to Bridgwater on one of the new electric buses on Sunday, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “They are so comfortable and quiet and have a lot more passenger-friendly extras, such as more room for disabled users and parents with children, extra hand rails, USB charging points on every seat and onboard screens showing route details and times. They are amazing and make the journey much more comfortable.”
