Oxford Bus Company celebrates key sustainability milestone with 80 electric buses

Oxford Bus Company is celebrating a key sustainability milestone.

They have announced they have put 80 of its planned 104 electric buses into service.

This accomplishment comes as the company celebrates Clean Air Day, marking progress towards its commitment to sustainability and reduction of carbon footprint.

The electric vehicles, now in use in Oxford, are part of various city fleets, the BROOKESbus service, and City Sightseeing Oxford open-top tours.

Along with the deployment, an electricity substation was installed the Cowley depot to facilitate the rapid charging of the buses.

Clean Air Day aims to raise awareness about air quality, promoting active travel and alternative transport options.

Oxford Bus Company’s success aligns with these goals, while also contributing to the wider ambitions of the parent company, The Go-Ahead Group.

The group has set targets to reduce emissions by 75 per cent by 2035, aiming to become a net-zero company by 2045.

In Oxford alone, the 104 electric buses are expected to save 6,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, revelled in the achievement.

He said: "As we celebrate Clean Air Day we’re pleased to announce we’re ahead of schedule in our journey to transform our city fleet into an all-electric service to further significantly help improve air quality."

Mr Marion shed light on the benefits the shift to electric transportation will bring, noting the investment in clean technology is "radically improving the environment of the communities we serve" and offering a better experience for customers.

Last year, Oxford Bus Company joined forces with Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and Stagecoach, signing an agreement to collectively put 159 electric buses into service.

The change to the fleet began in 2020 when the company introduced the first electric bus in Oxford through its City Sightseeing fleet.

It now operates three retrofitted electric vehicles, delivered as part of a partnership with Oxford City Council.

A report by the council revealed that the NOx emissions from buses have decreased by half since 2013, and buses now pollute less than cars in Oxford city centre.

Every electric bus contributes significantly to environmental preservation through zero tailpipe emissions.

They do not emit harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, commonly found in diesel buses.

This means electric buses are paving the way towards cleaner air and a healthier environment.