Representatives from Southern Vectis and Isle of Wight Council joined other stakeholders in Newport on Friday – to take their first look at the Island’s new fleet of electric buses.
An investment of £10.7m from Southern Vectis, £733,000 from Isle of Wight Council, and additional funding from the Department for Transport’s ZEBRA 2 (Zero Emission Bus Regional Area) scheme, has paved the way for 31 zero emissions vehicles that have been developed and built in the UK by manufacturer Wrightbus.
The move means greener and cleaner journeys across the Island.
Wills: At the forefront of the nation’s sustainable transport
Southern Vectis managing director, Ed Wills, said,
“Together with Isle of Wight Council, our team has worked incredibly hard to gain government support, under the ZEBRA 2 scheme, for this important initiative – which means we are welcoming the Island’s very first electric buses.
“I am delighted that Southern Vectis is now at the forefront of the nation’s sustainable transport. Buses are the perfect solution to improving air quality, and I’d urge people living here and visiting to use these new vehicles.
“This joint investment between DfT, Southern Vectis and Isle of Wight Council will ensure greener, better, journeys for our customers – and have a significant impact the Isle of Wight’s overall carbon emissions.”
Jones-Evans: Cleaner, quieter and more reliable journeys
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the Isle of Wight Council’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee, said,
“The arrival of these first electric buses marks an exciting and important step in our journey to modernise the Island’s transport network.
“Our partnership with Southern Vectis and the Department for Transport means Islanders will benefit from cleaner, quieter and more reliable journeys, while helping us reduce emissions and improve air quality.
“This investment is not just about transport – it supports our wider ambitions for regeneration, sustainability and a thriving future for the Isle of Wight.”
The event also showcased Southern Vectis’ depot in Newport – which is now equipped and ready to ensure the operator’s fleet is charged and set to revolutionalise the bus network.
McLeister: Supporting green jobs in the wider UK manufacturing sector
Guests were entertained by speakers, including Wrightbus sales managing director, John McLeister and renowned travel journalist, Simon Calder.
Mr McLeister said,
“It’s been a pleasure for Wrightbus to support Southern Vectis as introduces zero-emission electric buses onto the Isle of Wight.
“These Gen 2 Electroliners are the most efficient battery electric buses we have ever produced, with class-leading range, charging speed and battery life.
“And because the buses have been developed and built in our UK factory in Ballymena, this fleet of buses will not only help to improve air quality across the Isle of Wight, but will also support good green jobs in the wider UK manufacturing sector.”
Event attendees also got the chance to be among the first to travel on one of the buses, thanks to a demonstration ride in advance of the vehicles going into service in the coming weeks.
News shared by Paula on behalf of Southern Vectis. Ed
