30 new electric buses launched in Cambridge this weekend
The new fleet has been launched in Cambridge this weekend at IWM Duxford.
Last updated 14th May 2023
30 new electric buses have been launched in Cambridge this weekend at IWM Duxford.
The zero-emission, double decker buses, will see the Cambridge Park and Ride network and Citi 2 service become fully electrified and carbon-free.
All 30 buses will be in operation from this weekend, signifying a major milestone in the commitment to a rolling bus replacement programme, to replace 30 vehicles a year across the Combined Authority area. There is an ambition to convert the entire bus fleet from diesel buses to zero emission vehicles within the region by 2030 to hit carbon emission targets and help tackle climate change.
The announcement represents a significant investment in green travel for the region, with the new vehicles costing close to £500,000 each. The new fleet is being funded by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), Department for Transport and Stagecoach East.
The new buses will take Stagecoach East’s total zero-emission fleet up to 32, joining their current two electric vehicles which have been in service since February 2020 as part of a jointly funded partnership with the Greater Cambridge Partnership.
Since their launch three years ago, the two ULEB (Ultra Low Emission Buses) vehicles have covered over 124,000 miles between them, saving over 215 tonnes of CO2 and have carried over 200,000 passengers in 2022 alone.
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson said “The delivery of these buses is a major step forward for the bus network of our region and has been a fantastic collective effort by all those involved.
“We know what a positive impact this is going to have on the health of those living in the city of Cambridge. With these 30 buses we can expect to see a 40% reduction in emissions in the central zone, leading to improved air quality and better public health. I look forward to seeing the buses on the roads and to the next steps in reaching our carbon emission targets by 2030”.
Darren Roe, Managing Director at Stagecoach East, said:
“We are delighted to introduce 30 new fully electric buses to our Cambridge fleet this Spring. This news indicates a crucial step towards our overall goal of decarbonising our entire UK network by 2035 and demonstrates our commitment to tackling climate change by investing in sustainable and green transport options for our local communities.
“We must all do what we can to protect our environment. By swapping their car to travel on one of our electric buses, passengers will be making a choice to reduce their carbon footprint and harmful emissions, improve air quality and traffic congestion as well as helping to support greener and more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
To accommodate their expanding fleet, Stagecoach East is also investing £2 million into charging infrastructure for its Cambridge depot, to provide smart charging overnight.