Dozens of electric buses manufactured by leading zero-emission transport pioneer Wrightbus have powered nearly four million journeys, covering over 1.3 million miles*, since rolling out across Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham in Hampshire.
Since their launch in March this year, the 62 buses – which replaced nearly half (43%) of First Solent’s diesel fleet – have reduced emissions dramatically, saving the equivalent of approximately 2,427 tonnes of WTW (Well to Wheel)** CO2e emissions.
The single-deck GB Kite Electroliners, which have been built at Wrightbus’s Ballymena headquarters in Northern Ireland, mean cleaner air and quieter streets for local people.
Offering a smoother, more comfortable ride, on board they are fitted with all modern features, including USB charging points, and the latest accessibility features.
Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus CEO, said: “For the First Solent buses to have made almost four million journeys in their first months of operation is truly remarkable.
“We know that every zero-emission Wrightbus that leaves the factory and enters service makes a positive impact on lowering emissions and improving air quality in communities across the UK and beyond.
“It’s great to hear that feedback from customers in Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham has been positive. Passengers who use these buses not only get a smoother ride, but they also know that every journey they make is helping to reduce emissions for a greener future.”
Launched in partnership with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council, the state-of-the-art buses are a first for the region. The £28.6m project was funded from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme and investment from First Bus.
The project also included the electrification of Hoeford depot in Fareham, creating electric infrastructure to support the electric vehicle (EV) charging. Work at Hoeford took place from October 2023 to May 2024, with construction and infrastructure taking place while the bus depot was fully operational, without any disruption to bus services.
To mark the success of the Hoeford project, and the rollout of EV buses into service, an official launch was held at the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower in Gosport.
Representatives from Portsmouth City Council, including Councillor Peter Candlish, as well as Hampshire County Councillors Lulu Bowerman and Zoe Huggins attended to see the environmentally friendly public transport in action.
Attendees were taken to Hoeford depot to see the rapid-charging infrastructure, and for a ride on the EV buses, on the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Eclipse route, to see first-hand the transformation in service and sustainability.
Simon Goff, Managing Director for First Bus South, which operates First Solent buses, said: “By replacing diesel buses with zero-emission vehicles, we’re playing our part in improving air quality for the communities we serve.
“Since launching the buses in March, we have been delighted at customer reaction to our smart new EV buses, which is shown by the numbers of people using them.
“They provide a comfortable and modern passenger experience, offering a quieter, smoother ride, and advanced audio-visual announcements. Our drivers love driving them, and the electrification of our Hoeford depot has transformed things for all our people.”
Councillor Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said: “This is the first time our region has introduced this level of clean, sustainable transport, and its success is a testament to the collective effort and commitment of all those involved.
“This project is a clear example of how working together across sectors and local authorities helps us deliver our vision of a people-centred, connected travel network – one that prioritises public transport. We are creating a transport service that puts people first and helps deliver a safer, healthier, and more accessible city for all.”
