First fully electric buses in Essex go into service in Basildon
The first fully electric buses in Essex have entered service in Basildon this week, marking the start of a major transformation in local public transport.
A total of 55 zero tailpipe emission vehicles are being introduced on routes serving Basildon and neighbouring areas, with the rollout continuing over the next two months. The full fleet will be in service by the end of the year, delivering cleaner, quieter and more sustainable journeys for thousands of passengers.
The project is being delivered through a partnership between First Bus and Essex County Council, backed by £4.8 million from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) 2 scheme, alongside a £25.8 million investment from First Bus.
In total, £30.6 million is being invested in vehicles and infrastructure, including upgrades to Basildon bus depot to create a fully electric operational hub.
This week, the first four electric buses are out on routes 25, 200 and 300, as well as on town services (B route) in Basildon. As more vehicles arrive, they will be seen right across the network, with the full fleet of 55 eventually operating on most local routes.
The new fleet will improve links across the region, serving Basildon as well as nearby destinations such as Chelmsford, Lakeside and Southend. Passengers and residents will benefit from zero tailpipe emissions, quieter and more modern vehicles, and improved air quality.
The initiative also contributes to Essex County Council and Basildon Borough Council’s climate ambitions and supports First Bus’s pledge to operate a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.
Piers Marlow, Managing Director of First Bus East of England, said: “It’s fantastic to see the first of our electric buses on the streets of Basildon. Over the coming months, more vehicles will join the fleet until all 55 are in service, delivering cleaner air, quieter journeys and a more sustainable way to travel. This investment is part of our wider mission to offer zero-emission transport across the East of England and underlines our commitment to the communities we serve.”
Councillor Mark Platt, Essex County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “We’re hugely excited to see the first electric buses enter service in Basildon. The new fleet will be a gamer changer for sustainable transport across the borough.
“This project is an important step to help us deliver a safer, greener, healthier transport network and we thank our partners for their collaboration and hard work to make this happen.”
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood, said: “I am delighted to see Government funding go towards the rollout of these new electric buses, which will ensure that passengers in Basildon and the surrounding areas can benefit from greener and quieter journeys.
“Not only will this lead to smoother journeys and less emissions in Essex, but it will also mean people will have the reliable public transport they need to access jobs to help grow the economy – a key part of our Plan for Change.”
For more information First Bus’ services in Essex, please visit www.firsbus.co.uk/essex.
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