Salisbury unveils new electric bus fleet amid wider electric mobility push
The new electric fleet comprises 18 double decker and 12 single decker electric buses, primarily UK-built Wrightbus Electroliners – some of which will be deployed for the Stonehenge bus tours operated by Salisbury Reds.
Ed Wills, managing director of Salisbury Reds, said: “Salisbury Reds and Wiltshire Council have, together, made a significant investment in our new zero emission electric buses for Salisbury and the surrounding areas. This joint investment between DfT, Salisbury Reds and Wiltshire Council will ensure greener, better, journeys for our customers – and have a significant impact Salisbury’s overall carbon emissions.”
Three of the buses have also been sourced from Alexander Dennis; namely, Enviro100EV single deckers. Wills added: “These smaller buses are the first of our 30 brand new electric vehicles, following our successful bid, in partnership with Wiltshire Council, for funding from the Department for Transport’s ZEBRA 2 (Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas) scheme.
“The new vehicles will enable us to serve more challenging routes – giving even more of our customers the opportunity to opt for sustainable transport. They have a distinct appearance, and those living in or visiting Salisbury and the surrounding area will be sure to notice them.”
This all marks the culmination of a long journey for Salisbury’s electrified public transport. In February 2020, Salisbury Reds put its first battery-electric buses into operation, namely three single deckers from BYD-ADL. At the time, it was part of a landmark £1.2 million investment for the city – which has now long since been dwarfed.
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