All 50 Electric Buses Now in Service Across Plymouth and Cornwall

A landmark moment for sustainable transport across Plymouth and Cornwall has been reached, with all 50 new zero emission electric double decker buses now in full service across both regions.

Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus, said:

“Seeing all 50 electric buses in service is an important moment for our city and for our organisation. This fleet brings cleaner air, quieter streets and an improved travel experience for our passengers. We are proud to play our part in supporting a greener future for Plymouth and our surrounding communities.”

Delivered in partnership with Plymouth City Council, Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport, the project replaces almost half of the Plymouth Citybus fleet with cleaner, quieter and more accessible vehicles. Over their lifetime, the buses are expected to bring substantial environmental benefits, including significant reductions in carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulate emissions. With zero tailpipe emissions and noticeably quieter operation than diesel vehicles, the electric fleet is already contributing to improved air quality and a calmer urban environment across Britains Ocean City.

Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport at Plymouth City Council, said:

“It’s fantastic to see all 50 of the zero emission double decker buses out on routes in Plymouth and the Rame Peninsula, which shows the commitment of Plymouth Citybus and the two councils to delivering a thriving bus network. They not only help Plymouth achieve its net zero goals, in line with the vision of the Plymouth Enhanced Bus Partnership (the partnership between the Council and our local bus operators) but are a great testament to what can be achieved through partnership working.

“The feedback I’ve had about the new  electric buses has been overwhelmingly positive and I’d encourage you to hop on and experience for yourself the quieter, smoother ride they offer.”

The new buses offer a range of improvements designed to enhance comfort and accessibility. Every vehicle features two dedicated wheelchair bays, step free access, dementia friendly interior design and clear audio visual announcements for next stop and route information. Together, these enhancements reflect Plymouth Citybus ongoing commitment to providing a modern, inclusive and customer focused bus network.

The electric fleet is now in daily operation across key routes, including services 21 A, 42, 50 51 and route 70, which connects communities on the Rame Peninsula in Cornwall.

Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, said: “These new buses are better for the environment, more accessible for passengers and quieter for the communities they serve. This is a great example of how we can all work together to invest in the future of our local bus network and support services which are important to our residents.”

The 31.87 million pound project has been jointly funded by Plymouth Citybus, the Governments ZEBRA 2 fund and both Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council. Alongside the new vehicles, the investment has also delivered a major upgrade of the Milehouse depot, which is now a fully equipped charging and maintenance facility that will support the fleet for many years to come.

As part of a wider commitment to sustainability and environmental improvement, Wrightbus , the vehicle manufacturers, are also funding the planting of 500 trees across Plymouth and South East Cornwall,  ten trees for every electric bus introduced. This initiative will help enhance local green spaces, support biodiversity and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.