Southern Vectis is offering people living on and visiting the Isle of Wight, a chance to glimpse into the future this month.
The local bus operator is welcoming two electric double decker demonstrator buses to the Island – in preparation for ordering its brand new fleet of zero emissions vehicles, which are due to arrive in early 2026.
The move follows Southern Vectis’ and Isle of Wight Council’s successful bid for funding from the Department of Transport’s latest ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Area) scheme.
Richard Tyldsley, Southern Vectis general manager, said,
“The funding, combined with additional investment from Southern Vectis and Isle of Wight Council, means a total of £12.7m will be used to revolutionise our routes 1, 5 and 9.
“We are researching the best electric buses to invest in, so we have two different double decker demonstrators to monitor and assess. Today, a Yutong U11DD is entering service on routes 1, 5 and 9 – and it will be with us for a month.
“This will be followed by a Volvo electric bus. Further details on this bus are still to be confirmed, but we are expecting it to arrive at the end of June.
“We are asking our customers for feedback on both buses – including how they compare to our existing diesel buses, whether they like the interior layouts, how they feel about the noise of the buses, and whether they are likely to travel more or less on the new electric buses.
“This is an excellent opportunity for our drivers and customers to see what’s in store, when our new fleet arrives.”
For more information, and to leave feedback on the trial electric buses, please visit islandbuses.info
News shared by Paul on behalf of Southern Vectis. Ed
