Press Releases

Everyone attending next weekend’s Clyde Chorus live music event will get a free First Bus two-trip ticket to travel sustainably to and from the festivities

• Branded bus promotes programme of events at Loading Bay
• Bradford Weekender ticket gives unlimited travel for group of 5
• Tickets on sale from Friday 23 May

Solent from First Bus has introduced four newly converted electric buses into service in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport

The ‘repowered’ diesel vehicles have been fully refurbished to a near-new standard and converted to electric power, delivering more environmentally friendly travel for passengers.

The news comes one year after the electrification of First Bus’s Hoeford depot in Fareham, and the successful introduction of 62 new electric buses to Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport, in partnership with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council*.

The repowered buses will run on routes across Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport, including the University routes in Portsmouth.

The transformation of these buses represents a significant step in reducing carbon emissions. By repurposing existing diesel vehicles, First Bus is extending their lifespan while avoiding the environmental impact associated with disposing of old ones.

The innovative conversion process, undertaken by UK bus manufacturer Wrightbus, takes out the diesel engine and fully replaces it to make it electric, in a fraction of the time and the cost of manufacturing an electric bus.

This process significantly reduces carbon emissions, helping to combat climate change and making it a highly sustainable solution for fleet renewal.

The newly converted electric buses bring all the benefits of new electric vehicles, including zero tailpipe emissions. They will contribute to improved air quality, reducing harmful pollutants that can negatively impact respiratory health.

Gary Weaver, First Bus South’s Engineering Director, said: “We are proud to introduce these four converted electric buses to Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport. This initiative not only provides a second life for existing vehicles but also delivers a low-carbon, sustainable transport option that benefits both passengers and the wider community.

“At First Bus, we are committed to leading the way in the transition to greener public transport, and this project is another example of how we are making that happen.”

Cllr Peter Candlish, Portsmouth City Council's Cabinet Member for Transport said:  "The success of electric buses in Portsmouth has already shown how quieter, cleaner, and greener travel benefits our city. Cost-effectively re-powering these buses from diesel to electric is a smart way to bring forward another step in our commitment to deliver affordable, sustainable, and zero-emission transport for everyone."

The introduction of these vehicles is part of First Bus’s wider strategy to transition to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035. Across the business, it is initially introducing 32 repowers across four regions of the UK.

• First Bus announce new partnership iDEA, the UK's no.1 digital skills charity
• The new partnership was launched to mark the end of Learning At Work Week (LAWW) 
• The charity has provided access to bite-sized, gamified digital training for frontline colleagues and members of the communities we serve  

A new era of affordable, sustainable travel begins with 21 new coaches operating across eight major UK routes.

• Interview skills open up job opportunities

• Essex Cricket stars take on First Bus' Battle of the Buses driving challenge
• Watch how they got on below!

• Changes to begin on Sunday 18 May
• Focus on punctuality for 36 services

• Focus on punctuality for 16 services
• Additional journeys added to Park and Ride network including the weekend