Southern Vectis, in partnership with Isle of Wight Council, has successfully secured Department for Transport (DfT) investment of £3.6m towards a further 23 double decker electric buses.
The DfT had previously awarded funding from its ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Area) scheme, to bring 31 new electric buses to the Isle of Wight. This project, which also included the installation of the electric charging infrastructure at Southern Vectis’ depot, is now complete.
The latest move, which also sees a further investment of £8.1m from Southern Vectis, will bring the total number of electric vehicles on the Island to 54 – which is most of the main network bus fleet.
Routes 2, 3 and 38
The new buses will serve routes 2, 3 and 38 – with the order also including three open top electric double deckers to operate the Needles Breezer.
Southern Vectis managing director, Ed Wills,
“This is a significant moment for transport on the Isle of Wight, turning almost our entire main network buses into a zero emissions fleet.
“The new investment will further drive our mission to put this ‘electric island’ right at the forefront of sustainable transport,
“These new buses will help to improve air quality across the Island, while also giving passengers modern, high-quality buses for their journeys.
“The additional joint investment is testament to the excellent relationship we have with Isle of Wight Council, and we will continue to work together to ensure the Isle of Wight bus network remains the envy of other areas of the United Kingdom.”
Chandler: This is a big step forward
Stewart Chandler, transport strategy manager at the Isle of Wight Council, said,
“I am delighted that the Department for Transport has shared our vision to bring more electric buses to the Isle of Wight.
“Once drivers are trained on the new zero emission buses, Island residents will enjoy quieter, cleaner and more reliable journeys when travelling to work or to visit our high streets.
“This is a big step forward as part of the recently approved Island Transport Plan, that has set out a vision to address the urgent challenges public transport faces over the next 15 years, tackling congestion, climate change, accessibility and more, while planning for tomorrow’s opportunities in technology, tourism and sustainable growth.”
News shared by Paula on behalf of Southern Vectis. Ed
NB: Manufacturer of the additional vehicles has not yet been confirmed.
