We’re electric! Come and join ‘the buzz’ of Somerset’s new electric bus fleet
The countdown is on for the arrival of electric buses! Residents are invited to a sneak peak of the new zero emissions buses ahead of 25 electric buses taking to key bus routes across Somerset in April.
First Bus in Somerset and Somerset Council invite everyone to join them for an exclusive early preview of one of these cutting-edge zero-emission buses at Castle Green, Taunton from 10:00 -13:00 on Thursday 27 March.
From April, First Bus, in partnership with Somerset Council will introduce brand new, state of the art electric buses (EVs), to a number of routes across the county. This is a first for Somerset and all town centre buses in Taunton (the 1, 4,6,7 services) will be fully electric, bringing cleaner, greener air to the centre. Routes 21, 22 and 28 will also operate with EV vehicles.
The project has been funded via a collaboration between First Bus in Somerset and Somerset Council. The partnership was awarded £2.2m from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA 2) scheme and First Bus invested £12.5m in vehicles and electrifying the bus depot at Taunton.
Simon Goff, First Bus South’s Managing Director, said: “It’s exciting to be bringing electric buses to Somerset, supporting cleaner, greener travel in the county. We’ve made a major investment in this project, which shows our strong commitment to our passengers and bus services in Somerset. We’re excited for our customers to experience these fantastic new buses.”
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, said: “This is a vital project which will improve travel for local people who will benefit from these state-of-the-art vehicles, including improved air quality and a much better journey experience overall
“I am delighted that electric buses will soon be operational as part of our plans to transform bus travel. Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness the future of sustainable transport first hand in Taunton.”
**PRESS INVITE**
Detail: Cllr Richard Wilkins and First Bus will be introducing the new electric buses to Taunton in a press and community engagement event.
When: Thursday 27th March, 10:00 – 13:00
Where: Castle Green, Taunton
Opportunity for photo and interviews with electric bus, councillor, and partners.