A new 18-seater, zero-emission bus offers passengers in Falmouth a quieter, smoother and greener drive – and more are to come
The first in a range of new electric buses has taken to the roads of Falmouth in the south of Cornwall, a boost to the town’s existing shuttle service that will also help to cut carbon emissions. It is run by local operator OTS as part of the wider Transport for Cornwall.
Photo courtesy of Cornwall Council
Over the next few months, more electric buses will be seen across the county. From this week, six new electric buses are due to cover the Rame Peninsula’s no. 70 route, run by Go Cornwall. From October, the park and ride fleet in Truro will be entirely replaced by electric buses.
The transition in Falmouth in Truro is the result of Cornwall Council’s successful bid for £1.3m from the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) 2 Fund, with the council committing a further £2.18m. Local operator OTS committed £105,000 and Falmouth Town Council some £5,000.
The upgrade of the Rame Peninsula service was part of a wider £31.9m ZEBRA 2 funding bid submitted by Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Citybus, the latter part of the Go-Ahead group. Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council contributed £1.9m, Plymouth Citybus £19.6m and the Department for Transport £10.3m.
Craig George, Bus Service Manager at OTS, says: ‘We are very excited to bring Cornwall’s first electric bus to our service 60 in Falmouth, especially as the route operates directly through the bustling town centre. It has been a really positive experience to work with Cornwall Council, Falmouth Town Council and the Department for Transport who proactively share our vision to deliver cleaner buses for the benefit of all in our local community. To deliver the first vehicle in service to come from this larger partnership project is simply the icing on the cake and we’re very proud to be leading the charge towards the future of bus travel.’
Cllr Alan Jewell, Mayor of Falmouth, adds: ‘The arrival of Falmouth’s first electric bus is a welcome step forward and forms part of a wider set of green initiatives we’ve supported as a Town Council. It’s a practical investment that will contribute to reducing emissions and improving air quality in the town. We’re pleased to have worked alongside Cornwall Council and OTS to help deliver this project, and we remain committed to making sensible, long-term improvements for the benefit of residents and visitors.’
Dan Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Transport at Cornwall Council, says: ‘Our buses rack up the miles over the years and with almost a quarter of Cornwall’s carbon emissions coming from road transport, we want to reduce our impact on our environment wherever we can. Falmouth’s bus is just the start and work is progressing on putting in the infrastructure to run services in the Rame Peninsula and Truro city centre. It’s a step in the right direction and we’ll be looking for further funding opportunities to bring more electric buses to Cornwall.’
Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Local Transport, adds: ‘I’m thrilled that communities across Cornwall will soon benefit from greener, cleaner bus services thanks to the Government’s £1.3 million funding package. This includes a brand-new eco-friendly bus for Falmouth and a complete upgrade of the Truro park and ride service. With the upcoming Bus Services Bill, passengers can look forward to more reliable journeys, greater local control, and the protection of essential routes. Investing in better buses not only supports jobs and strengthens the economy, but it also helps us build a more sustainable future as we deliver the Plan for Change.’
In related news:
South Tyneside Council is using drones to stop anti-social behaviour
Hillingdon, Nuneaton, Exeter AI planning trials promise to slash planning delays
Leave a Reply