COUNCIL chiefs are to be asked to amend plans for an all-electric bus fleet for Warrington – with the number of new buses being reduced from 120 to 105.
Members of the council’s cabinet will also be asked at their meeting on Monday, February 13, to approve an increase in the overall budget for the project from £28.230 million to £30.173 million.
The changes proposed for the town’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme reflect a reduced number of passengers since the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased cost of the project due to increased costs caused by the current high rate of inflation.
They follow a visit to Warrington last week by Buses Minister, Richard Holden who was welcomed to the town’s brand new bus depot, which is due to open by mid-March.
The council was successful in securing funding for the Government scheme, in 2021 to support the replacement of Warrington’s Own Buses’ entire fleet of diesel with new electric buses, as part of the work to introduce greener and cleaner transport options throughout the borough.
Warrington is making a significant financial contribution to the ZEBRA scheme, with its funding commitment supporting the vision to transform bus travel in Warrington.
Ben Wakerley, managing director at Warrington’s Own Buses, said: “I’m hopeful that cabinet will approve these re-modelled plans, as this investment will ensure that Warrington’s people have a fleet of buses fit for the future.
“The introduction of an all-electric bus fleet, charged by renewable energy, will bring massive benefits to people. It will improve the air quality, supporting our work to tackle the climate emergency. It will also provide more environmentally friendly, modern and attractive services, with cheaper fares, encouraging more local people to choose travelling by bus.
“As with any project of this size, we have had to go through a range of processes correctly, to ensure we get it right. There have been challenges to overcome, not least due to the current economic climate, which has affected all of us in our everyday lives.
“Significant inflation, interest rate rises, changes in legislation and the global context have created additional pressures on financing this scheme.
“Nevertheless, I believe this re-modelled scheme is the right fit for Warrington. The 105 electric buses is one of the highest number of electric buses to be introduced by any town or city in the UK, meaning Warrington continues to lead the way in its ambitions. Using energy generated by the council’s solar farm means this is as green a bus system as we can create.
“I’m proud that working together and collectively with the council, the Government, the bus companies and MPs we have been able to overcome these challenges, work together on all sides and deliver these improvements for people in Warrington.
“We have held constant discussions with the Department for Transport and they are content that 105 buses is the right fit for Warrington. I am grateful to Warrington South MP, Andy Carter, for his ongoing support as we have moved forward with the plans.
“Good progress is also being made on our new bus depot – an important project in Warrington’s Town Deal programme – with building work nearly finished. The depot will be handed over to Warrington’s Own Buses for occupation in the coming weeks. We were delighted to welcome Buses Minister, Richard Holden to Warrington last week, to see our new depot for himself and find out more about the town’s ZEBRA and Town Deal plans.
“This has been a lengthy process, which has led to some delays in the delivery of the scheme. However, I believe we are now in a good place. If these plans are approved, we can look forward to our new fleet of state-of-the-art buses arriving in Warrington during 2024.”
Commenting on the Minisietr’s visit Warrington South MP Andy Carter said:”It was great to have Transport Minister Richard Holden visiting Warrington to see how work on our new bus depot on Dallam Lane is progressing, ahead of the new fleet of more than 100 zero-emission buses arriving. Warrington’s Own Buses have benefitted from massive Government funding to transform its fleet to all-electric, and it’s important that funding is invested in next generation bus manufacturing right here in the UK. After a year of delays I’m glad to hear that progress is finally being made on placing an order for our new bus fleet.
“I want to see a better public transport network for our town and surrounding areas – that means cheaper fares for commuters and more reliable, clean energy buses. The £2 flat fare subsided by the Government which launched back in January has helped increase passenger numbers on routes across Warrington and the rollout of new zero-emission buses over the next 18 months will help give local residents greater choice between using their cars or riding on public transport.”
