Wrightbus electrics power 4m journeys in Hampshire
Wrightbus-built electric buses have powered nearly four million journeys, covering over 1.3 million miles, since rolling out across Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham in Hampshire.
Since their launch in March this year, the 62 buses, which replaced 43% of First Solent’s diesel fleet, have saved the equivalent of approximately 2,427 tonnes of WTW (Well to Wheel) CO2e emissions.
The single-deck GB Kite Electroliners are fitted with USB charging points and the latest accessibility features.
Launched in partnership with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council, the £28.6m roll-out of the buses was funded using the DfT’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme and investment from First Bus.
The project also included the electrification of Hoeford depot in Fareham, creating electric infrastructure to support the electric vehicle charging. Work at Hoeford took place from October 2023 to May 2024, with construction and infrastructure taking place while the bus depot was fully operational, without any disruption to bus services.
“It’s great to hear that feedback from customers in Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham has been positive” – Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus CEO
Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus CEO, said: “For the First Solent buses to have made almost four million journeys in their first months of operation is truly remarkable.
“We know that every zero-emission Wrightbus that leaves the factory and enters service makes a positive impact on lowering emissions and improving air quality in communities across the UK and beyond.
“It’s great to hear that feedback from customers in Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham has been positive. Passengers who use these buses not only get a smoother ride, but they also know that every journey they make is helping to reduce emissions for a greener future.”
“They provide a comfortable and modern passenger experience” – Simon Goff, Managing Director for First Bus South
Simon Goff, Managing Director for First Bus South, which operates First Solent buses, said: “By replacing diesel buses with zero-emission vehicles, we’re playing our part in improving air quality for the communities we serve.
“Since launching the buses in March, we have been delighted at customer reaction to our smart new EV buses, which is shown by the numbers of people using them.
“They provide a comfortable and modern passenger experience, offering a quieter, smoother ride, and advanced audio-visual announcements. Our drivers love driving them, and the electrification of our Hoeford depot has transformed things for all our people.”
“This project is a clear example of how working together across sectors and local authorities helps us deliver our vision” – Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said: “This project is a clear example of how working together across sectors and local authorities helps us deliver our vision of a people-centred, connected travel network – one that prioritises public transport. We are creating a transport service that puts people first and helps deliver a safer, healthier, and more accessible city for all.”