Kent County Council (KCC) has taken delivery of the first Irizar ie tram electric bus to operate on the Fasttrack network in Kent Thameside.
This is the first of a fleet of 28 buses ordered from Irizar to fully electrify the Dartford and Gravesham route by April 2025.
An additional five electric buses will also be introduced for the upcoming Dover Fastrack network.
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Neil Baker said:I am delighted that we have received our very first electric bus for Kent.
This marks a significant milestone and an exciting time for users of our Kent Thameside Fastrack service as we upgrade our fleet to new electric models.
The investment is an indication of our commitment to Fastrack and better air quality for Kent’s residents. I am looking forward to seeing them in operation.
To accommodate these new buses, installation work for electric vehicle charging points will begin at the end of August at Gravesend Bus Station and Dartford Acacia Hall.
Once operational, this fleet is expected to save 1,300 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
This news follows KCC’s award of a 15-year contract with Go-Ahead London for the operation of Fastrack in Dartford and Gravesham.
Isobel Hedley Jones, Fastrack Project Manager, said:Go-Ahead is delighted to be delivering this pioneering zero-emission fleet in partnership with KCC and the manufacturer, Irizar. This collaboration will result in the first zero-emission buses ever to operate in Kent. The ie Tram-like bus fleet is part of Go-Ahead’s wider plan to improve the Fastrack network for the communities we will serve and signal commitment to high-quality, reliable, and punctual services.
