New electric bus fleet for Salisbury Reds moves a step closer
The company's getting 23 additional zero emission vehicles
More details have been released about a new fleet of electric buses for the Salisbury Reds network, due to arrive in 2026.
Another 23 zero emission vehicles are coming to the city, after a successful bid by the operator and Wiltshire Council to get funding from the Department for Transport.
A manufacturer for the new buses has now been chosen, with UK based Wrightbus set to deliver them.
Salisbury Reds managing director, Andrew Wickham said:
“We are investing more than £7 million, alongside DfT funding of almost £3.5 million and Wiltshire Council’s £1 million. This will be used to revolutionise Salisbury Reds’ city network and Stonehenge Tour services.
“Following an extensive procurement process, we have chosen Wrightbus to supply 11 double decker electric buses for our R1 service and the Stonehenge Tour, and nine single decker electric buses for our R2, R5, PR3, PR7, PR11 and R10 services.
“Wrightbus is a highly-respected UK manufacturer at the forefront of electric and hydrogen vehicle development, so we are delighted to be placing our trust in its team to provide the city with these pioneering zero emissions vehicles.
“This joint investment between DfT, Salisbury Reds and Wiltshire Council will ensure greener, better, journeys for our customers - and have a significant impact on Salisbury’s overall carbon emissions.”
Each bus will have tap on, tap off, technology for contactless payments, USB charging points for all seats, and next stop audio and visual announcements.
The vehicles will also have a fully accessible wheelchair ramp, audio loops, dementia-friendly internal colour schemes and CCTV for added security.
Cllr Tamara Reay, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport, said:
“This is the next step for this exciting project, which represents a huge investment in Salisbury and will improve the air quality in the city and help to reduce carbon emissions.
“We will continue to work with both Salisbury Reds and Wrightbus as the project progresses, and we look forward to the new fleet of zero emission buses being a regular sight in the city from 2026.”
Salisbury Reds is due to announce the manufacturer for a further three smaller buses for its R4, R6 and R8 services shortly.