Even more electric buses coming to Salisbury...

Government investment for seven more electric buses in Salisbury

 Salisbury Reds, in partnership with Wiltshire Council, has successfully secured Department for Transport (DfT) investment for a further seven double decker electric buses in Wiltshire.

 The DfT had previously awarded funding from its ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Area) scheme, to bring 23 new electric buses to the city. This project, which includes the purchase of the electric buses and the installation of the electric charging infrastructure at Salisbury Reds’ depot, is well under way and is scheduled to begin in 2026.

 The plan is to use the seven extra double decker electric buses on the X4 route, between Salisbury, Amesbury, Durrington and Larkhill. They are expected to begin operation in 2026 and the successful bid, which is worth more than £1.2m, also includes a further four additional chargers with eight additional charging points at the city depot. The project to provide the extra buses is expected to cost around £3.5m, with Salisbury Reds contributing the additional funds.

 “This is excellent news for the region, and it will further drive our mission to put Salisbury and its surrounding area right at the forefront of sustainable transport,” said Salisbury Reds managing director, Andrew Wickham. 

 “These new buses will help to improve air quality in Salisbury and beyond, and reduce carbon emissions, while also giving passengers modern, high-quality buses for their journeys.

 “The additional joint investment is testament to the excellent relationship we have with Wiltshire Council, and we will continue to work together to ensure the region’s bus network remains the envy of other areas of the United Kingdom.”