Wrightbus has launched a new series of zero-emission electric buses in Oxford.
The new BROOKESbus fleet, owned and operated by Oxford Bus Company, consists of 21 StreetDeck Electroliners, and has been launched as part of the city’s effort to achieve net zero by 2040.
Each vehicle is branded in partnership with Oxford Brookes University, with the recent reveal of the livery taking place at the University’s Headington Campus. They are set to replace the existing fleet of buses and are expected to eliminate up to 850 tonnes of CO2 emissions released into the city per year.
Expected to be in service by 2024, the buses are capable of travelling up to 300 miles on a full charge.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, said:We are delighted to be working with Oxford Brookes and the Oxford Bus Company in their commitment to offering zero-emission public transport in the city and can’t wait to see even more of our buses in operation.
Wrightbus’s ambition is to reduce the environmental impact of public transport and we continue to invest in ground-breaking technology as a driver to developing cleaner, more efficient transport solutions.
We are the only manufacturer in Europe to offer a complete suite of zero-emission buses, with both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell single and double decks.
These have a vital role to play in decarbonising public transport and in enabling operators, local authorities and governments to meet their carbon reduction targets.
Charging time for each bus is expected to take roughly three and a half hours.
The buses will also emit an artificial sound when travelling at low speeds to warn pedestrians and cyclists of their presence.
Speaking at the launch event, Professor Alistair Fitt, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes, said:The launch of these new, fully electric BROOKESbuses is an important step towards our ambition of delivering net zero by 2040, something we know is very important to our students, staff and wider community. We are also very proud that these new buses will be charged from renewable sources.
We recognise the critical role that the BROOKESbus service plays for students, staff and the city’s community and visitors. In 2022, for instance, we amalgamated the service with some of Oxford’s local Park and Ride Services and provided a much-needed bus route from Blackbird Leys to the University.
We know the impact of the cost of living on students’ lives. That is why I am particularly excited that this new cleaner bus service offers free journeys for the vast majority of our students.
