First Solent’s electric buses have already traveled 2 million kilometers in just 8 months

Since their launch in March this year, First Solent’s 62 zero-emission buses (which replaced nearly half of its diesel fleet) have traveled 2 million kilometers and transported 4 million people, as well as reduced emissions, saving the equivalent of about 2,427 tons of Well to Wheel CO2 emissions, when they were introduced in Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham.

The £28.6 million project was funded by the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) project and investment from First Bus. The project also includes electrification of the Hoeford depot in Fareham, with the creation of an electrical infrastructure to support electric vehicle charging. Work at Hoeford ran from October 2023 to May 2024, with construction and infrastructure taking place while the bus depot was fully operational, with no disruption to bus services.

Simon Goff, Managing Director for First Bus South, which operates First Solent buses, said: «By replacing diesel buses with zero-emission vehicles, we’re playing our part in improving air quality for the communities we serve. Since launching the buses in March, we have been delighted at customer reaction to our smart new EV buses, which is shown by the numbers of people using them. They provide a comfortable and modern passenger experience, offering a quieter, smoother ride, and advanced audio-visual announcements. Our drivers love driving them, and the electrification of our Hoeford depot has transformed things for all our people».

Councillor Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, added: «This is the first time our region has introduced this level of clean, sustainable transport, and it’s success is a testament to the collective effort and commitment of all those involved. This project is a clear example of how working together across sectors and local authorities helps us deliver our vision of a people-centred, connected travel network—one that prioritises public transport. We are creating a transport service that puts people first and helps deliver a safer, healthier, and more accessible city for all».

Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Waste, Councillor Lulu Bowerman, commented: «The benefits of investment such as this alongside the investment made through Hampshire’s Bus Service Improvement Plan extend well beyond improving bus travel for passengers. Namely, the boost it has on the local economy by creating new jobs for more bus drivers, depot engineering staff and support staff. And, in developing the future workforce, equipping engineers with the skills to maintain electric vehicles».

Councillor Zoe Huggins, Executive Member for Hampshire 2050 (Climate Change, Culture and Partnerships) at Hampshire County Council, added: «The great news about this project is that virtually 100% of bus services in Fareham, Gosport and parts of Portsmouth are provided by zero-emission buses. The area in which the electric buses operate has two Clean Air Zones, so the arrival of the fleet is great news for the environment and public health – helping to improve air quality, cut pollution and reduce carbon emissions. The project which was built on strong partnership work has also delivered green skills supporting the upskilling of a workforce and local jobs, this is an amazing achievement».