Oxford Bus Company reaches electric milestone as it celebrates Clean Air Day

Oxford Bus Company has revealed it has rolled out three quarters of its electric bus fleet in the six months since it launched the first zero-emission vehicle into service.

The company reached its latest sustainability milestone as it celebrates Clean Air Day. It confirmed 80 out of the 104 electric vehicles are now on the road as part of its groundbreaking commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint in the city of Oxford. The vehicles are used on its city fleets, BROOKESbus service and City Sightseeing Oxford open-top tours.

It confirmed the progress as it marked the six-month mark in its journey towards electrification. Oxford Bus Company also installed an electricity substation at its Cowley depot to support the rapid charging of the electric buses.

Clean Air Day is designed to raise awareness about air quality and encourage active travel and alternative transport options.

The Go-Ahead Group, the parent company of Oxford Bus Company has a target to reduce emissions by 75% by 2035 and becoming a net-zero company by 2045. The 104 electric buses will save 6,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year in Oxford.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, 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.

“Our multi-million investment in clean technology is radically improving the environment of the communities we serve, in terms of improving air-quality, reducing noise pollution and enhancing our customers’ overall experience. We’re now looking forward to rolling out the rest of the fleet.”

Last year Oxford Bus Company in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and Stagecoach signed a deal to collectively introduce 159 electric buses into service.

In 2020 Oxford Bus Company introduced the first electric bus to Oxford via its City Sightseeing Oxford fleet. It now has three retrofitted electric vehicles in its fleet, which were delivered in partnership with Oxford City Council.

An Oxford City Council air quality report recently revealed with NOx emissions from buses has decreased by half since 2013. Buses now contribute less pollution than cars in Oxford city centre.

Each electric bus delivers significant environmental benefits, primarily through zero tailpipe emissions. It means they do not emit harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are common in diesel buses. By reducing these emissions, electric buses contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

ENDS