Multi-million-pound electric bus transformation for Gloucestershire
The landmark project marks a major milestone in the county’s mission to deliver a cleaner, greener and more modern transport network for communities across the region.
Representing a total investment of over £20 million, the rollout of 42 electric buses is being funded through a partnership between UK Government, Stagecoach West and Gloucestershire County Council. As part of Stagecoach’s vision for the future, this is the start of a journey towards all vehicles operating in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury becoming fully zero-emission, dramatically cutting carbon output and improving air quality for thousands of passengers.
Stagecoach West have invested over £17 million, while the UK Government and Gloucestershire County Council have invested more than £3.5 million in this ambitious venture.
The electrification of the depot will support some of the region’s busiest and most important routes — including the 1, 2, 2A and 71 in Gloucester, and the 94, 95, 94X, 41, 42, 43 and T in Cheltenham. This will bring some great improvements to those key routes operating in Gloucester and Cheltenham and mean that all Stagecoach buses to and from Tewkesbury will be fully electric.
Stagecoach is proposing to replace up to 42 diesel buses with electric which equates to just over 20% of their Gloucestershire vehicle fleet. This is expected to remove c. 22 tonnes of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and c. 43,224 tonnes of carbon emissions over the appraisal period.
To celebrate the launch, Stagecoach West hosted an event on Friday, 28 November at its depot in Gloucester, welcoming local stakeholders, media, and project partners.
Guests were given an exclusive first look at the ambitious infrastructure programme, which includes the installation of solar panels and high-powered charging systems delivered in partnership with leading e-fleet specialists. Attendees also viewed the incoming fleet up close, featuring the new cutting-edge buses.
Chris Hanson, Managing Director at Stagecoach West, said “This investment is a huge leap forward for greener travel. These new electric buses don’t just help the environment; they transform the passenger experience. Residents will have better buses, cleaner air, and reduce their carbon footprint.”
Cllr. Lisa Spivey, Leader at Gloucestershire County Council added “We’re proud to support this major investment in zero-emission transport. These new electric buses will play a vital role in cutting carbon emissions, improving local air quality, and encouraging more people to choose public transport. It’s a key step in our ambition to create a greener Gloucestershire and reach net-zero by 2045.”
The first electric buses will begin serving passengers in the new year, with depot upgrades already underway to support charging and maintenance operations.
The project forms part of the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) initiative, designed to accelerate the transition to clean public transport across the UK. The new fleet will deliver quieter streets, reduced emissions, and a significant improvement in local air quality and making bus travel more attractive.
For more information on Stagecoach’s sustainability initiatives, visit https://www.stagecoachbus.com/corporate/sustainability