Fifty-five new zero tailpipe emission vehicles are now being introduced on routes serving Basildon and the surrounding area over the next two months, with the full fleet set to be in service by the start of 2026.
The new buses are being delivered through a partnership between First Bus and Essex Essex County Council and have been backed by 4.8 million in funding from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) 2 scheme, as well as a 25.8 million GBP investment from First Bus.
30.6 million GBP is set to be invested into both vehicles and infrastructure, with upgrades including improvements made to Basildon bus depot to convert operations to become fully electrified.
The first four of the new buses will enter operation on routes 25, 200 and 300, as well as on town services (B route) in Basildon. The new fleet is hoped to improve links across the region and serve nearby destinations such as Chelmsford, Lakeside and Southend.
Piers Marlow, Managing Director of First Bus East of England, said:It’s fantastic to see the first of our electric buses on the streets of Basildon. Over the coming months, more vehicles will join the fleet until all 55 are in service, delivering cleaner air, quieter journeys and a more sustainable way to travel.
This investment is part of our wider mission to offer zero-emission transport across the East of England and underlines our commitment to the communities we serve.
