Surrey's Eco-Friendly Initiative: Hydrogen Buses Join the Fleet
Key Ideas
- Surrey introduces 34 new hydrogen buses, contributing to a total of 54 eco-friendly buses in the region.
- The buses have a significant range of 600 miles and produce zero emissions, benefiting the environment.
- Investments by Surrey County Council aim to enhance public transport, with funds allocated for ultra-low emission minbuses and bus priority measures.
Surrey County Council in the United Kingdom has launched a new fleet of 34 hydrogen-powered buses to operate across various routes in Surrey. These buses, consisting of 23 single-deckers and 11 double-deckers, boast a range of 600 miles and produce zero emissions, contributing significantly to the region's eco-friendly initiatives. The buses will serve areas including Salfords, Horley, Gatwick Airport, Crawley, Merstham, Redhill, Reigate, Woodhatch, and East Surrey Hospital. This deployment follows the introduction of 20 hydrogen buses in Horley, Gatwick, and Crawley, West Sussex, in 2023.
Surrey County Council has made a substantial investment of £16 million in these hydrogen buses, which are operated by Metrobus and built in the UK. The collaboration between various stakeholders, as highlighted by Ed Wills, the managing director at Metrobus, demonstrates a successful partnership working towards sustainable, zero-emission public transport. Matt Furniss, SCC's cabinet member for highways, transport, and economic growth, emphasized the council's commitment to enhancing community transport by investing £6.3 million in ultra-low and zero-emission minibuses.
In addition to the hydrogen buses, Surrey County Council has allocated £9 million for bus priority measures to improve punctuality and £1.4 million to enhance passenger information at bus stops. This holistic approach aims to not only promote green transportation but also enhance the overall public transport experience in the region. The introduction of these hydrogen buses aligns with the council's vision of creating a sustainable and eco-friendly transport network for the communities they serve, setting a positive example for other regions looking to adopt environmentally friendly initiatives.