£13.8 million investment brings more electric buses to Norfolk
Norfolk County Council and First Bus have joined forces to bring an additional 24 brand new electric double-decker buses to Norfolk as well as supporting infrastructure at two key bus depots.
Adding to the current fleet of 76 buses already operating this is another major step forward in the county's journey toward greener public transport.
The £13.8 million investment—£8.9 million of which is funded by First Bus and the remainder supported by Norfolk's Bus Service Improvement Plan grant—will see the new buses operating in Great Yarmouth and Norwich by Autumn 2026.
Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said; "This is a landmark moment for public transport in Norfolk. We've been working closely with operators to support their electrification plans, and I'm delighted that our partnership with First Bus has secured this significant investment for Norfolk. We know from feedback that passengers in Norwich are already enjoying the benefits that come with travelling on an electric vehicle - and now even more people will get to enjoy the enhanced passenger experience with these new buses operating in Great Yarmouth and on routes out to Mulbarton and Horsford. "
The Caister Road depot in Great Yarmouth will be upgraded to support 10 electric buses serving service 8, connecting James Paget Hospital to Caister via the town centre.
Meanwhile, the Vulcan Road depot in Norwich will accommodate 14 electric buses for routes 28, 36, 37, and 38, linking communities in Thorpe Marriott, Horsford, Mulbarton, and Ives Road with Norwich city centre.
Piers Marlow, Managing Director of First Bus East of England, said: "We're really pleased that more people across Norfolk will soon be able to enjoy the many benefits of electric buses, and we're proud to be working with Norfolk County Council to make this possible. This investment in new vehicles and depot infrastructure is another important step towards a cleaner, healthier future for everyone who lives, works and travels in Norfolk."
Construction at the Great Yarmouth depot is scheduled to begin later this year, with all vehicles expected to be in service by Autumn 2026.
