Oxford's electric fleet has been replenished with 159 new buses
Oxford has launched 159 new battery-powered electric buses, which is significantly more than in cities such as London, Glasgow and Leicester. Thus, the city council guarantees private operators a reduction in travel time in exchange for investment.
In total, the cost of such an initiative, which consists of the development of a new scheme and the purchase of vehicles, is 82.5 million pounds. The Guardian reports.
Thus, thanks to a partnership between private transport companies, the Department for Transport and Oxford County Council, the city plans to reduce bus travel times by at least 10% compared to 2019 speeds. In addition, this is a direct commitment of the council to ensure the viability of private company investments.
It is noted that the city already has several initiatives aimed at banning the entry of most vehicles. By the end of 2024, it is planned to introduce additional restrictions and lower fares to encourage people to use public transport.
According to Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, the launch of the renewed fleet is "a historic moment on our journey to transitioning urban transport to electricity."