The first electric buses for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are set to begin on Poole's Route 1 this autumn as part of local transport emission reduction plans. Two electric buses are due to start carrying passengers on a Poole route this autumn. BCP Council says the vehicles will replace buses currently used on Route 1, which runs between Poole Quay, Poole Bus Station and the hospital, as part of its Local Transport Plan. Councillor Andy Hadley said the 2 buses are on order and "should be with us this autumn", with the change on the route expected "very soon" to replace the current ve
Two electric buses are due to start carrying passengers on a Poole route this autumn.
BCP Council says the vehicles will replace buses currently used on Route 1, which runs between Poole Quay, Poole Bus Station and the hospital, as part of its Local Transport Plan.
Councillor Andy Hadley said the 2 buses are on order and "should be with us this autumn", with the change on the route expected "very soon" to replace the current vehicles.
The council is working with bus operators on the infrastructure for more electric vehicles, and Councillor Hadley said funding remains the main issue in helping Morebus move towards an electric fleet across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
He said electric buses are "cheaper to run" once they are in service because maintenance costs less than diesel buses, and the switch could improve air quality in busy local streets including Poole Bus Station, Gervis Place, Ashley Road and Winton High Street.
There are also charging challenges because buses can be on the road for 16 hours a day, leaving a limited window to recharge, but Morebus has secured a promised electricity supply at its Southgate Road depot, with capital investment still needed.
