First Bus has expanded its electric bus fleet in Norfolk, England, to 100 vehicles following the introduction of 14 additional electric double-deckers in Norwich. Electric buses now account for more than 60% of the operator’s fleet in the county.
The new vehicles will operate on routes 28, 37, 38 and 38A, connecting Thorpe Marriot, Drayton Road, Hellesdon and Mulbarton with Norwich city centre. They will be based at First Bus’s upgraded Vulcan Road depot, which has received new charging infrastructure. The manufacturer and specific models of the buses have not been disclosed.
£13.8 Million Investment in Norfolk Bus Services
The new double-deckers form part of a £13.8 million investment by First Bus and Norfolk County Council in local and regional bus services.
First Bus is contributing £8.9 million, with the remainder supported through the council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan funding.
The wider programme has also introduced 10 electric buses in Great Yarmouth, where charging infrastructure has been installed at First Bus’s Caister Road depot.
Simon Mathieson, regional director of First Bus in the East and Midlands, said the investment covers both vehicles and the infrastructure required to operate them.
“This joint investment in vehicles and depot infrastructure is another important step towards a cleaner, healthier future for everyone who lives, works and travels in Norfolk. It also underpins the ambition of First Bus to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet nationally by 2035.”
Councillor Joseph Kerrison, deputy cabinet member for highways and transport at Norfolk County Council, said the expansion would support improvements to the county’s bus network.
“This latest investment is helping to deliver the reliable, high-quality bus services that people want and deserve […] Expanding the electric fleet to 100 vehicles is a significant milestone and demonstrates our shared commitment to investing in a modern bus network that encourages more people to choose the bus for everyday travel.”
First Bus Targets Zero-Emission Operations by 2035
The Norfolk expansion forms part of First Bus’s wider fleet electrification strategy. The operator aims to transition its entire UK fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
The latest additions increase the number of electric buses serving Norwich and extend the role of depot charging infrastructure in supporting larger electric fleets. The investment also adds to the deployment of electric buses across Norfolk, including the vehicles operating in Great Yarmouth.