Oxford Brookes University has launched the first fleet of fully electric double-decker buses, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the city.
The 21 buses, branded as BROOKESbuses, will serve students and staff as part of a wider rollout of 159 electric vehicles across Oxford, replacing current diesel models. The Oxford Bus Company, which operates the fleet, says the switch will prevent an estimated 850 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Funding for the buses came from government money awarded to Oxfordshire County Council under the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme in March last year. Each bus takes about three hours to charge using renewable sources and can travel up to 300 miles per charge.
Professor Alistair Fitt, vice-chancellor of Oxford Brookes, called the vehicles an 'important step' towards the city's goal of becoming net zero by 2040. He confirmed that the 'vast majority of students' would receive free journeys.
Councillor Louise Upton from Oxford City Council highlighted the health benefits, saying electric buses are improving air quality and making bus travel an attractive option for everyone. The remaining buses in the fleet are expected to launch in the coming weeks.
