Of the total £13.8 million, £8.9 million is funded by First Bus, with the remainder supported by Norfolk’s Bus Service Improvement Plan grant. The investment will see the new buses operating in Great Yarmouth and Norwich. The vehicles will add to the existing fleet of 76 electric buses already in service.
The Caister Road depot in Great Yarmouth will be upgraded to accommodate 10 electric buses serving service 8, linking James Paget Hospital with Caister via the town centre. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year. Meanwhile, the Vulcan Road depot in Norwich will house 14 buses for routes 28, 36, 37 and 38, connecting Thorpe Marriott, Horsford, Mulbarton and Ives Road with Norwich city centre.
“This is a landmark moment for public transport in Norfolk,” said Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport. “We’ve been working closely with operators to support their electrification plans, and I’m delighted that our partnership with First Bus has secured this significant investment for Norfolk.”
Piers Marlow, Managing Director of First Bus East of England, added: “We’re really pleased that more people across Norfolk will soon be able to enjoy the many benefits of electric buses, and we’re proud to be working with Norfolk County Council to make this possible. This investment in new vehicles and depot infrastructure is another important step towards a cleaner, healthier future for everyone who lives, works and travels in Norfolk.”
norfolk.gov.uk, firstbus.co.uk
