The introduction of electric buses into Cambridgeshire has reduced carbon emissions by an impressive 4,585kg per week. Of the 280 buses operated by Stagecoach, 32 are now electric, including 22 dedicated to serving Cambridge’s five Park and Ride sites.
Bus chiefs say the move towards electric buses has not only cut emissions but has also encouraged greater use of the city’s Park and Ride services. Patronage at these sites has steadily increased, as residents and visitors see the electric buses as a more reliable and environmentally friendly travel option.
“It is also recognised that Cambridge’s air quality has significantly improved, with monthly NO2 concentrations down 20% compared to 2021 and 37% lower than the baseline measured in 2017,” said a spokesperson for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
“These figures demonstrate the positive impact of Cambridge’s commitment to sustainable transport and cleaner air for its residents.”
The electric buses have been funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), Stagecoach East and the Department for Transport following a successful bid to the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme.
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson said the figures demonstrate the positive impact of Cambridge’s commitment to sustainable transport and cleaner air for its residents.
“The rollout of electric buses is a great step towards reducing our carbon footprint and creating a better connected and more resilient region,” he said.
“These results show what we can achieve when we invest in sustainable, forward-thinking solutions for transport.”
He said that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has a mission to ensure that transport across the region is cleaner, greener, more efficient, and reliable and provides residents with more choice over their journeys.
“These results demonstrate the tangible benefits of investing in green transport,” said the mayor.
