Bus operator Pulhams has launched 15 new electric buses and unveiled major upgrades to one of its depots following a multi-million pound investment in cleaner transport.
The new vehicles and improvements were revealed at the company’s Golden Valley depot in Staverton, with the project expected to cut more than 700 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
The fleet includes seven double-decker Wrightbus Electroliners and eight single-decker Wrightbus GB Kite buses, all built in the UK at Wrightbus’s factory in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.
In total, £8.17 million has been invested, including £6.63 million for the buses and £1.54 million for depot upgrades such as 16 electric charging points, a new bus wash, fuelling system and improved driver facilities.
The project was supported by funding from The Go-Ahead Group, the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, and Gloucestershire County Council.
Luke Marion, managing director of Pulhams, said the investment marks the start of the company’s “electrification journey”.
He said: “This will significantly improve air quality in the communities we serve and help make bus travel an even better option for travelling.”
Councillor Roger Whyborn, Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport, described the project as “an important step forward in modernising bus services in Gloucestershire.”
Pulhams has been expanding its fleet since being acquired by the Go-Ahead Group, adding more than 60 vehicles and recruiting over 60 new staff, taking its total fleet to more than 150 vehicles.