Pulhams to introduce electric buses to its fleet

Pulhams has ordered 15 electric buses as part of Go-Ahead Group’s major investment in zero-emission vehicles across the UK.

The new vehicles will be introduced to Pulhams’ fleet to be used on routes in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds over the next 12 months. Pulhams confirmed the vehicles were included in a £500 million investment by its parent company, Go-Ahead Group, backed by the government and by contributions from Gloucestershire County Council.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said for every vehicle manufactured, 10 trees would be planted in the communities where the buses are deployed.

Alex Chutter, Area Director for Pulhams, said: “This is a significant investment in clean technology that will help improve the environment of the communities we serve in terms of improving air quality, reducing noise pollution and enhancing our customers’ overall experience. We’re looking forward to introducing the vehicles in due course.”

Of the 15 vehicles ordered from Northern Irish bus manufacturer Wrightbus, nine will be single-deckers and six will be double-deckers. Pulhams has appointed Envevo to install the electric charging infrastructure at its depot in Bourton-on-the-Water in preparation for the arrival of the fleet of vehicles.

Matt Carney, Chief Executive of Go-Ahead Bus, said the investment would “accelerate the transition to a zero-emission fleet across the UK.”

Gloucestershire-based Pulhams was established in 1880 and operates bus and coach routes in the Cotswolds and surrounding areas, as well as being the area’s premier coach hire provider.

Pulhams is part of its Oxford Bus Group portfolio of operating companies owned by the Go-Ahead Group, which also consists of Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses and City Sightseeing Oxford.

The investment in 15 electric buses in the Pulhams fleet is the latest sustainability milestone for the Oxford Bus Group.

Earlier this year, Oxford Bus Company completed the roll out of its fleet of 104 electric buses operating its city fleet, BROOKESbus and City Sightseeing Oxford services. The 104 electric buses will save 6,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year in Oxford.

The Go-Ahead Group, the parent company of Oxford Bus Group, has a target to reduce emissions by 75% by 2035 and become a net-zero company by 2045.