Torbay Stagecoach fleet to become 100% electric

A new fleet of all-electric buses will be deployed in Torquay this winter, thanks to a funding boost from the Department for Transport (DfT), Torbay Council has said.

A cash injection of £361,000 from the DfT means more than £7.4m is available to purchase a fleet of 55 new all electric, zero-emission vehicles, the council said.

It said it would make Stagecoach's Torquay depot the company's first fully-electric depot in the South West.

Funding for the fleet comes from the DfT's Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas 2 scheme - created to help transport authorities and operators to make the transition to zero-emission fleets.

Torbay Council said over the course of the buses' lifespans, they would result in carbon dioxide savings equal to taking about 2,000 diesel cars off the road, as well as improving air quality in the area.

Peter Knight, managing director at Stagecoach South West, said this was "an important milestone" on the road to net zero.

Councillor Adam Billings, cabinet member for pride in place and parking, said the new fleet was "an excellent result" for the people of Torbay.

He said: "The new buses will be better to travel in and their lack of tailpipe emissions will contribute to improving air quality.

"This will particularly benefit our town centres as well as cyclists and pedestrians generally."

Billings said the fleet would provide an "improved public transport travel option", adding he was confident it would result in more people choosing to travel by bus.

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