Buses boost for students as Stagecoach announces major fleet expansion

Warwick students will soon benefit from a major £140 million project modernising Coventry’s bus fleet.

The scheme will see 64 new Stagecoach buses roll out onto the city’s roads next year, forming part of Coventry City Council’s target to have the UK’s first fully electric bus fleet by 2025.

This initiative means that over 200 buses, 80% of those operating in and around the city, will now be electric-powered, placing Coventry at the forefront of UK transport sustainability. As a result, emissions equivalent to 14,000 cars will be removed from the city’s roads.

By pushing for zero emissions on its services, which link Coventry to the wider Warwickshire region, councillors say that a ‘key pillar’ in the drive to reduce air pollution and provide greener transport for the West Midlands will be met.

Funding for the project came from Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which received £50 million from the Department for Transport. A further £70m of investment from bus operators and £20m from TfWM and Warwickshire County Council was later secured for the trailblazing initiative.

Buses will be fitted with modern amenities, such as USB charging points and free WiFi, and will offer more room for wheelchairs and buggies

British manufacturer Alexander Dennis has constructed 31 double-decker buses, while Pelican Yutong will contribute 33 single-deckers. Buses will be fitted with modern amenities, such as USB charging points and free WiFi, and will offer more room for wheelchairs and buggies.

The newly electrified fleet is expected to be in service from next year after bus depots have been fitted with charging facilities, Coventry City Council confirmed.

Cllr George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, said: “We’re delighted to be another step closer to being the first major city or town in the country to boast a fully electric bus fleet.

“Once the project is complete, Coventry residents will benefit from much cleaner air, with the obvious benefits of better health for young and old alike, while the city will be served by some of the most modern buses in the UK.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, praised the “combined investment by Stagecoach and the public sector”, which he expects will “make a huge difference to people’s journeys in and around Coventry”.

Mark Whitelocks, Stagecoach Midlands Managing Director, added: “This investment [in electric-powered buses and supporting infrastructure] demonstrates Stagecoach’s confidence in the region and is evidence of us delivering our ambitions to transform bus services for the communities we serve.”