Dozens of new electric buses coming to Derby

Arriva Buses in Derby. Image by LDRS.

Arriva is working to roll out dozens of new electric buses to improve poor air pollution in a busy part of Derby amid a huge £34 million scheme.

It is expected that dozens of new zero-emission buses will improve air quality around Ascot Drive, where its city depot is based – an area known to have high levels of nitrogen dioxide from traffic.

The new electric fleet also aims to boost bus passenger experience offering quieter, smoother journeys and cleaner air on the roads.

Official papers state “The Great Derby Recharge” will “accelerate the transition of the Arriva bus depot to full electric operation”.

The scheme aims to replace 69 diesel buses with electric ones and give its depot a full electrical upgrade, making it fit for the future.

Work is to take place over the next two years and is set to start next month, according to a report.

Bus routes to and from Derby city centre set to benefit from new electric buses include 1A/1B/1C (Alvaston), 2/2A (Swadlincote), 4 (Alvaston), 5/5A (Littleover), 6/7 (Sinfin), 8/8A (Mackworth) , 20 (Spondon and Chaddesden), 22/24 (Oakwood and Chaddesden), 26 (Oakwood), 38 (Sinfin) and X38 (Burton upon Trent).

A spokesperson from Arriva Midlands said it was working closely with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to develop the project further.

They said: “Our aspiration is to move our entire Derby fleet to zero-emission vehicles through a phased rollout.

“We’re also working with EMCCA on its Network Accessibility Plan, and directly with disability inclusion groups including the Thomas Pocklington Trust, to explore improvements to the interior design of our next generation of buses.

“This potential electrification project is on top of our £6m investment in 25 brand new, ultra-low emission buses, which join our Derby fleet in November and December 2026.”

EMCCA is planning to contribute more than £12m of the total £34m cost as part of its effort to boost transport across the region.

Last year, it was reported the authority was given more than £65m to improve bus services across the East Midlands.

EMCCA chiefs believe the Derby project will save millions of pounds in the long term including around £10m savings on the maintenance and operation costs of diesel buses.

An EMCCA report adds: “There are clear benefits for the public from cleaner, more efficient and quieter buses.

“EMCCA funding will enable the depot to replace diesel fleet with cleaner and more efficient electric vehicles reducing reliance on diesel vehicles which are more costly to maintain and operate.”

Fellow bus firm Trent Barton said it had no electric buses currently at its Derby fleet but said they are ambitions to do so in the future and work with EMCCA.

A spokesperson said: “There is a lot of work to do in preparing more detailed plans but, with the backing of the EMCCA, we believe we can bring the benefits of electric buses – zero emissions, improved reliability, greater efficiency – to the communities we serve.”