Six new zero-emission electric buses have been introduced to serve Route 70 on Cornwall’s bus network.
The Go Cornwall Bus vehicles will provide transport on the Rame Peninsula between villages such as Torpoint, Millbrook and Cawsand, preserving ‘essential links for rural communities’.
Each vehicle is installed with two wheelchair bays, step-free access, audio-visual announcements and dementia-friendly interiors, supporting the accessibility needs of residents.
According to the council, 10 new trees will be planted in south-east Cornwall for the addition of every new bus.
Dan Rogerson, Cornwall Council cabinet member for transport, said: ‘These new buses are better for the environment, more accessible for passengers and quieter for the communities they serve.
‘With road transport contributing to more than a quarter of Cornwall’s carbon emissions, we have a duty to look to more sustainable options and reducing our impact where we can.’
The project’s funding is ‘part of a wider bid to the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) 2 Fund’, including Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Citybus.
Backed by £10.34m from the Department of Transport, nearly £19.6m from Plymouth Citybus, £1.19m from Cornwall Council and £750,000 from Plymouth City Council, the scheme will see 50 further zero emission buses and charging infrastructure introduced at Plymouth’s Milehouse Depot.
