Stagecoach West and Gloucestershire County Council have announced a major investment in sustainable transport, confirming a multi-million-pound rollout of brand-new electric buses across Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury.
The project, worth more than £20 million, represents a significant step forward in the county’s commitment to delivering a cleaner, greener and more modern transport network. A total of 42 fully electric buses will enter service, funded through a partnership between the UK Government, Stagecoach West and Gloucestershire County Council.
Stagecoach West has invested over £17 million, with a further £3.5 million contributed jointly by the UK Government and the county council through the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme.
The new electric fleet will operate on some of the region’s busiest and most vital routes, including the 1, 2, 2A and 71 in Gloucester, and the 94, 95, 94X, 41, 42, 43 and T routes in Cheltenham. All Stagecoach services to and from Tewkesbury will also become fully electric as part of the rollout.
Replacing up to 42 diesel vehicles — just over 20% of Stagecoach’s Gloucestershire fleet — the scheme is expected to remove approximately 22 tonnes of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and cut over 43,000 tonnes of carbon over the project’s lifetime.
To mark the launch, Stagecoach West held an event at its Gloucester depot on Friday 28 November, giving stakeholders, media and partners a first look at the new buses and the accompanying infrastructure upgrades. Improvements include the installation of high-powered charging systems and solar panels, delivered in partnership with leading e-fleet specialists.
Chris Hanson, Managing Director at Stagecoach West, said the investment represents “a huge leap forward for greener travel”. He added: “These new electric buses don’t just help the environment; they transform the passenger experience. Residents will have better buses, cleaner air, and reduce their carbon footprint.”
Cllr Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said the investment supports the county’s long-term climate goals. “These new electric buses will play a vital role in cutting carbon emissions, improving local air quality, and encouraging more people to choose public transport. It’s a key step in our ambition to create a greener Gloucestershire and reach net-zero by 2045.”
The first electric buses will begin carrying passengers in the new year, with depot upgrades already underway to support charging and maintenance.
The rollout is part of the Government’s ZEBRA initiative, which aims to accelerate the shift to zero-emission public transport across the UK. The new buses are expected to deliver quieter streets, cleaner air and a significantly improved passenger experience.
Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk
Original post on the Gloucestershire News Centre website
Gloucestershire News Centre