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Cambridge hears from expert why electric buses are less noisy, cause less disturbance and improve public health
The ambition is to convert the region’s entire bus fleet across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to zero emission vehicles by 2030.
One of the world’s leading advocates of green technologies visited Cambridge to emphasize the benefits of the electric vehicle revolution for public health. Marie Carlsson, vice president of Electromobility Business Development for Volvo Buses was in Cambridge to visit Stagecoach East, which partners with Volvo Buses to run a fleet of electric buses.
During her visit, Marie shared a scientific study by ElectriCity in collaboration with Volvo Buses, the City of Gothenburg, Västtrafik, and Gothenburg University. This study focused on the impact of electric buses on noise levels, noise disturbance, and public health.
The findings revealed a decrease in noise levels of between 5 and 7 decibels, which translates to up to a 50% reduction in noise pollution. Additionally, survey participants reported improved sleep quality during the night, and an improvement of general health of people living along the route.
Darren Roe, managing director of Stagecoach East, said: “It is a point of great pride to us that we are partnered with Volvo Buses to run our electric buses in Cambridge and the surrounding area.
“Our engineers and the engineers from Volvo have been able to work closely together to improve the service for our passengers.
The introduction of 30 new electric buses, to be used on Cambridge’s Park and Ride network, was celebrated with a launch at Imperial War Museum, Duxford, in May.
“We often think of pollution in terms of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases, and clearly electric buses are an important way of combatting such problems, but noise pollution is another part of the puzzle and we need to work on it where we can do so in a safe and responsible way.”
Focus on electromobility
Marie said: “Electromobility isn’t just about a cleaner future; it’s also about a quieter one. Electric buses offer a resounding solution to the noise pollution that plagues our cities.
“With their silent operation, electric buses provide a pathway to more peaceful streets, making significant strides in reducing noise pollution, improving the overall urban environment, and promoting a quieter and more pleasant atmosphere for residents and commuters.
“When passengers choose electric buses, they’re not just making an eco-conscious choice; they’re creating a soundscape where ‘quiet’ and ‘clean’ go hand in hand.”
‘I name this bus Voltvo’ and all who ride in her!
During her visit, Marie took part in a brief ceremony in which Stagecoach officially named one of the electric buses ‘Voltvo’.
Mr Roe added: “These are important issues, but we can still enjoy the process of striving towards a better future. These buses are a crucial part of how people get where they need to go in our local communities, and it was a wonderful opportunity to mark that fact.”
![Councillor visit to ESCC (L-R: Councillor Geoffrey Seef, County Councillor for St Neots The Eatons [local councillor]; Rob Ashwell, chairman of ESCC; Cllr Alex Bulat Vice-Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council's Communities, Social Mobility, and Inclusion Committee). Credit to Cambridgeshire County Council.](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Councillor-visit-to-ESCC_cropped-400x240.jpg)
![Councillor visit to ESCC (L-R: Councillor Geoffrey Seef, County Councillor for St Neots The Eatons [local councillor]; Rob Ashwell, chairman of ESCC; Cllr Alex Bulat Vice-Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council's Communities, Social Mobility, and Inclusion Committee). Credit to Cambridgeshire County Council.](https://www.cambsnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Councillor-visit-to-ESCC_cropped-80x80.jpg)