Photos: First look inside Warrington’s new electric bus fleet

The Warrington Guardian was given a sneak peek of one of 105 Volvo BZL Electric vehicles officially ordered for the town – one of the biggest orders of electric buses by any town or city in the UK to date.

It comes as Warrington Borough Council has also awarded the contract for the bus chargers to power the new electric buses.

EO Charging will supply the chargers, which will be installed at Warrington’s new bus depot on Dallam Lane.

First look inside Warrington’s new electric bus fleet

It means the countdown can now begin to the arrival of Warrington’s all-electric bus fleet – replacing Warrington’s Own Buses’ entire fleet of diesel buses – in 2024.

The state-of-the-art Volvo BZL Electric fleet will provide clean, near-silent, comfortable and efficient public transport, built to a high safety standard and complying with the toughest restrictions on emissions and noise.

Zero-tailpipe emissions vehicle features low interior noise, making it easier for passengers to talk to others or listen to music during the ride.

The driver also benefits from a calm and quiet workspace, while the silent propulsion reduces noise for residents along the route.

First look inside Warrington’s new electric bus fleet

Warrington’s Own Buses covers 85 per cent of the bus mileage in the borough, and the conversion of its entire fleet to all-electric supports Warrington’s ambitions to introduce greener, cleaner and more sustainable transport options throughout the borough.

The project is the latest boost to the wider work to transform bus services in Warrington, as part of the borough’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.

A range of work is underway between the council and local operators to deliver cheaper fares, increased reliability and high-quality, accessible vehicles.

This includes the launch of the latest phase of Warrington’s Better By Bus initiative, which is capping single fares at £2 for adults and £1 for young people aged between five and 18, until 2025.

First look inside Warrington’s new electric bus fleet

Cllr Hans Mundry, the council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “It is fantastic news that our project is moving forward, with the orders placed for our new, zero emissions buses and chargers.

“The introduction of our all-electric fleet will bring massive benefits, helping to decarbonise our transport system as we work towards a net-zero future.

“We will be delivering a fleet of buses fit for the future with zero tailpipe emissions which will improve air quality across Warrington, supporting our work to tackle the climate emergency.

“It will also support a key aim of our Local Transport Plan, to reduce emissions and congestion and build sustainable transport into everyday life in Warrington.

First look inside Warrington’s new electric bus fleet

“Our environmentally friendly, modern and attractive buses will help boost Warrington’s reputation as a place to live, work, and do business.

“We believe that – supported by the huge improvements we are making to services across the board through our Bus Service Improvement Plan – our new buses will play a major role in our work to achieve a mode shift from the car and increase the share of journeys made by bus in our borough.”

Ben Wakerley, managing director of Warrington’s Own Buses, added: “The electric buses, powered by solar energy will make our bus services as carbon neutral as they can possibly be.

First look inside Warrington’s new electric bus fleet

“This is great for the environment and air quality, and it will provide a huge improvement for customers and employees.”

Commenting on the order, Dan Barwick, regional sales director for the north at Volvo Buses, said: “We are really pleased to support yet another area as it strives to improve air quality and the health of local residents.

“We have seen some really great feedback from our Volvo BZL Electric customers this year, and I look forward to seeing this order come to fruition and begin to benefit the local area.”