Surrey County Council Invests in 34 New Hydrogen Buses for Zero Emissions Transport
Key Ideas
- Surrey County Council is introducing 34 new hydrogen-powered buses with a range of 600 miles, expanding zero-emissions transport in the region.
- The investment of £16m by SCC in partnership with Metrobus not only promotes sustainability but also enhances community transport options.
- Additional investments by SCC include £6.3m for ultra-low and zero-emission minibuses, £9m for bus priority measures, and £1.4m for passenger information upgrades at bus stops.
- The new hydrogen buses will operate in various areas including Salfords, Horley, Gatwick Airport, Crawley, and several other locations across Surrey, benefiting local communities and reducing emissions.
Surrey County Council is taking a significant step towards promoting sustainable transport by introducing 34 new hydrogen-powered buses in the region. These buses, consisting of 23 single-decker and 11 double-decker vehicles, boast a commendable range of 600 miles without producing any emissions. The expansion of the hydrogen bus fleet will cover routes in key areas such as Salfords, Horley, Gatwick Airport, Crawley, Merstham, Redhill, Reigate, Woodhatch, and East Surrey Hospital.
Partnering with Metrobus, SCC has invested £16 million in this initiative to improve local transport infrastructure and reduce the carbon footprint. Ed Wills, the managing director at Metrobus, praised the collaboration as a successful example of working together to achieve zero emissions for the communities they serve. Matt Furniss, SCC's cabinet member for highways, transport, and economic growth, highlighted the council's comprehensive investment strategy, including £6.3 million for ultra-low and zero emission minibuses, £9 million for bus priority measures, and £1.4 million for enhancing passenger information at bus stops.
The introduction of these hydrogen buses complements the existing fleet of 20 such buses introduced in Horley, Gatwick, and Crawley, West Sussex, in 2023. This move aligns with the broader sustainability goals of the region and emphasizes the importance of investing in eco-friendly public transport options. The deployment of these new buses is set to not only enhance transportation services but also contribute significantly to reducing emissions and improving air quality in Surrey.
Topics
Homes
Environmental Sustainability
Public Transport
Local Government
Transportation Infrastructure
Community Investment
Latest News