The countdown is on for the arrival of electric buses to the city! Residents are invited to a sneak peak of the new zero emissions buses ahead of 62 electric buses taking to key bus routes in the city in April.
Portsmouth City Council and First Bus invite everyone to join them for an exclusive early preview of one of these cutting-edge zero-emission buses at Guildhall Square, from 11 am to 2 pm, Monday 11 March. Travel and transport is the leading cause of carbon emissions in Portsmouth, and this action signifies an important step forward in the council’s efforts to reduce emissions and address the climate crisis.
From April residents in Portsmouth will be able to enjoy smoother, quieter bus journeys on routes like the X4 (The Hard – Fareham – Southampton). This groundbreaking electric vehicle project is a huge boost to Portsmouth’s vision to creating a more sustainable public transport system and improving air quality in the city.
This project been funded via a collaboration between Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council, and bus operator First Bus. The partnership was awarded £12.7M from the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme and First Bus invested of £15.9M to create an electric bus depot at Hoeford.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council said:
“I am delighted that electric buses will be landing in our city soon as part of our plans to transform bus travel. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness the future of sustainable transport firsthand in Portsmouth, there has never been a better time to try out the bus!”
Cllr Kimberley Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City said:
“The arrival of zero-emission buses is a big step in cutting air pollution from transport as we work hard to address the climate crisis in Portsmouth.”
Simon Goff, Managing Director, First Bus South said: “We’re delighted to be working with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council, bringing electric buses to the streets of Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport. Come and see the bus, hop on board and experience the future of green travel.”
