Electric bus rollout accelerates in Tees Valley

Bus services across Tees Valley are set to become cleaner and greener after Government funding backed the rollout of dozens of electric vehicles.

Tees Valley will receive £11 million from the Department for Transport to introduce 82 additional electric busesacross the region from 2027, while also supporting the electrification of two more bus depots.

The investment will take the total number of electric buses operating locally to 170 vehicles, following a combined programme worth more than £65 million.

Earlier funding from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area programme helped deliver 61 electric busesfor operators Arriva and Stagecoach, supported by £21.7 million in operator investment.

That first phase also enabled the full electrification of Stagecoach’s Stockton depot and partial electrification of the Arriva depot in Darlington.

The latest funding will now allow the Hartlepool Stagecoach depot and the remainder of the Darlington Arriva depotto be fully electrified by 2027.

With the new vehicles introduced, more than half of Tees Valley’s bus fleet will run on electric power within just two years of the first buses entering service.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is great news for people across our region and means we’ll see better, more reliable buses on our roads.

“We know there’s still more work to do to give local people the transport network they deserve, so alongside major upgrades to our railway stations, we’re investing in the latest technology to keep traffic moving and make our road network work better for motorists.

“This funding will bring new buses into service and upgrade the depots needed to keep them running, and is another step towards the modern, reliable transport system people across our region expect and deserve.” 

Councillor Steve Harker, Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for transport and infrastructure and leader of Darlington Borough Council, added: “It’s fantastic news to see the Government backing our buses by providing us with extra funding we need to bring our region’s fleet right up to date.

“This all means we’ll see more electric buses on our streets, and it allows us to invest in our infrastructure. 

“It’s also a big boost to hear the Arriva depot at Faverdale will be fully electrified.

“This will bring greater reliability and better services to thousands of passengers. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing the additional electric buses on the ground.”

Alongside environmental benefits such as reduced emissions and lower energy costs, the programme aims to improve passenger journeys with quieter and more efficient vehicles.

Steve Walker, managing director for Stagecoach North East, added: “We welcome this further investment which will help accelerate the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable bus network across the Tees Valley.

“The additional funding will support the electrification of our Hartlepool depot and enable more zero-emission buses to operate across the region, building on the success of the electric fleet already serving local communities.

“Working in partnership with the Tees Valley Combined Authority and the Department for Transport, we’re committed to delivering greener and cleaner journeys for our customers while playing our part in supporting the region’s ambitions for a more sustainable transport network.”

Richard Hoare, managing director of Arriva North, added: “This funding is a huge leap forward for cleaner public transport in the Tees Valley.

“Subject to final approvals, introducing 54 new electric buses alongside the 21 that Arriva already has for Darlington would allow us to fully electrify the depot.

“We’re really pleased with that progress, and it means we’ll be delivering quieter, zero-emission journeys for our customers and communities.”

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