Wiltshire residents have collectively saved approximately 3.7 thousand tonnes of oil equivalent by choosing to use buses instead of driving, according to data released by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Salisbury Reds, a local bus operator, has been leading the way in the transition to electric buses, contributing to the reduction of harmful CO2 emissions.
Andrew Wickham, Managing Director of Salisbury Reds, highlighted the positive impact of their investment in electric buses. With the support of a £600,000 grant from the government’s Low Emission Bus Scheme, along with their own investment, three electric buses were introduced to operate park and ride services in Salisbury in early 2020. Wickham acknowledged the importance of government funding but also stressed the need for technological advancements before a full transition to electric or hydrogen buses can be achieved.
In 2022, the government funded nearly 1,000 zero-emission buses across England, resulting in the removal of 57,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide and 22 tonnes of nitrogen oxides annually. Despite these advancements, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Electric buses currently face limitations in terms of range, making them unsuitable for long-distance or continuous operations. Additionally, the need for more parking spaces to accommodate charging infrastructure and the higher upfront cost of electric and hydrogen buses pose obstacles to a complete fleet conversion.
However, the potential benefits of transitioning to electric buses are significant. Andrew Wickham emphasized that a fully loaded double-decker bus has the potential to replace up to 75 cars. If more individuals choose to use buses instead of driving, even for part of their commute, it could have a profound effect on climate change mitigation.
Calculations based on a fleet of 200 electric buses suggest that emissions could be reduced by over 7,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to taking 3,700 diesel cars off the road, according to the Department for Transport. These figures highlight the substantial environmental impact that can be achieved through the widespread adoption of electric buses.
While there are challenges to overcome, the progress made by Salisbury Reds and other bus operators in embracing electric buses is a promising step towards achieving a greener and more sustainable transport system in Wiltshire. Continued investment, technological advancements, and supportive policies will be crucial in accelerating the transition to a zero-emission bus fleet and significantly reducing carbon emissions in the region.
