First Bus electric fleet hits 100 in Norfolk

First Bus has announced that its electric vehicle (EV) fleet has reached 100 in Norfolk.

The expansion means new areas of Norwich are now enjoying the benefits of cleaner air from zero tailpipe emissions and quieter streets with the arrival of a further 14 double-decker EV buses.

It is the latest phase in a £13.8 million joint investment with Norfolk County Council in greener transport for the county, comprised of £8.9 million by First Bus and a grant from Norfolk’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

This includes an upgrade to the operator’s satellite depot on Vulcan Road in Norwich, which has been transformed with power charging.

The 14 new buses enable the use of EVs on routes 28, 37, 38 and 38A linking Thorpe Marriott, Drayton Road, Hellesdon and Mulbarton with Norwich city centre.

Combined with an existing 76 electric vehicles operating from the Rowntree Way depot in the city and 10 EVs in Great Yarmouth, these increase the First Bus electric fleet to 100 buses across Norfolk, more than 60 per cent of the overall fleet.

Simon Mathieson, Regional Director of First Bus in the East and Midlands, said: “We’re really pleased that more people across Norwich will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of electric buses, and we’re proud to be working with Norfolk County Council to make this possible.

“Electric buses are transforming travel in Norwich and across the region, delivering smoother, quieter journeys while helping to cut emissions, and this latest phase extends those benefits to even more communities.”

Councillor Joseph Kerrison, Deputy Cabinet Member for highways and transport said: “This latest investment is helping to deliver the reliable, high-quality bus services that people want and deserve.

“By working in partnership with First Bus, we’re supporting more comfortable journeys, improving the passenger experience, and strengthening public transport links. Expanding the electric fleet to 100 vehicles is a significant milestone and demonstrates our shared commitment to investing in a modern bus network that encourages more people to choose the bus for everyday travel.”

Simon Mathieson added: “This joint investment in vehicles and depot infrastructure is another important step towards a cleaner, healthier future for everyone who lives, works and travels in Norfolk. It also underpins the ambition of First Bus to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet nationally by 2035.”

Picture captions:First Bus Norwich1: Cllr Joe Kerrison (centre) at the Vulcan Road depot with Relief Supervisor Louise Jack and Les Black, Staff Manager.

First Bus Norwich2: Cllr Joe Kerrison (right) at the Vulcan Road depot with Relief Supervisor Louise Jack and Les Black, Staff Manager.

First Bus Norwich 3,4 & 5: Cllr Joe Kerrison plugs in one of the new electric fleet at the Vulcan Road depot alongide Relief Supervisor Louise Jack and Les Black, Staff Manager.