First Bus launches all-electric fleet depot after investing in Wrightbus’s ZE buses

First Bus completes transformation of depot to all-electric fleet after investing in Wrightbus’s zero-emission vehicles

Zero-emission technology from transport pioneer Wrightbus is playing a crucial role in the development of one of the first all-electric bus depots in the country.

A further 11 electric single deck buses manufactured by the Northern Ireland firm will join a fleet of 59 Wrightbus double decks on the streets of Norwich by the end of the month.

The Norwich operation, run by First Bus, is also the first complete zero-emission commercial bus fleet in England located outside of London.

First Bus has invested £37.2 million in infrastructure and buses to make the scheme at its Roundtree Way depot a reality. The money comprises £14.7 million of Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) Government funding, bid for and won with Norfolk County Council, and a capital investment of £22.5 million from First Bus.  

The new electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, which will help to create a cleaner, greener environment for people to live, work and enjoy. They also offer customers a more comfortable ride, as they are quieter and smoother than diesel vehicles.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO at Wrightbus, said: “We are delighted to partner with First Bus in the drive to zero-emission public transport and to have played our part in helping them develop one of the first all-electric bus depots in the country.

“First Bus, like us, is at the forefront of new and exciting technology, and our partnership enhances the reputation we have forged in playing an important part in the UK’s ambitions for decarbonisation.

“Our buses are designed with customer comfort in mind and offer a high-spec interior full of innovative features. We have great ambitions both in the UK and across Europe to have many more of our buses on the roads helping with the drive to decarbonisation of public transport.”

The introduction of the new bus fleet means that over half of the Norwich network operated by First Bus is now electric. That is over 60 per cent  of all bus journeys through Castle Meadow in the city centre.

To mark the completion of the project, a celebration was held at the depot.

Guests included representatives from Wrightbus, First Bus and Norfolk County Council.

Piers Marlow, Managing Director of First East of England, said: “We are incredibly proud of the work that’s been done here at Roundtree Way. Simultaneously running a busy bus depot and construction project has been tough at times, but it has been worth it.

“These vehicles are absolutely fantastic - not only from a sustainability and air quality perspective, but they are great for our customers, as well as our drivers and engineers, and we’re already receiving lots of positive feedback.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has played a vital role in the delivery of this project, including our people and partners, without whom it wouldn’t have been possible.”

Wrightbus has been at the forefront of the movement to decarbonise public transport across the UK and Ireland with the Electroliner alongside its world-first hydrogen double deck, the StreetDeck Hydroliner.

It is the only manufacturer to offer a complete suite of zero-emission buses, with both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell single and double decks.