This is the first of a fleet of 28 clean energy buses, which will see the Dartford and Gravesham route fully electric by April 2025. A further five electric buses will be introduced for the upcoming Dover Fastrack network.
When fully electric, the fleet is set to save 1300 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, helping towards KCC’s goal of providing residents with travel options that are reliable and sustainable.
Installation work will begin at the end of the month at Gravesend Bus Station and Dartford Acacia Hall to install the electric vehicle charging points that will power these fully electric buses.
The news follows the announcement that KCC signed a 15-year contract with Go-Ahead London for the operation of Fastrack in Dartford and Gravesham. It provides the people in north Kent a reliable and greener travel option, connecting communities and helping to keep Kent moving.
“[This] investment is an indication of our commitment to Fastrack and better air quality for Kent’s residents.”
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Neil Baker said: “I am delighted that we have received our very first electric bus for Kent.
‘This marks a significant milestone and an exciting time for users of our Kent Thameside Fastrack service as we upgrade our fleet to new electric models.
‘The investment is an indication of our commitment to Fastrack and better air quality for Kent’s residents. I am looking forward to seeing them in operation.”
Shane Hymers, KCC Fastrack Development Manager, said: “The design of these vehicles was completely led by our customers and driving staff. We listened carefully to what would improve their Fastrack experience which led to some very bespoke design elements. The buses include wireless charging docks for smart phones, ambient lighting and even railway style tables complete with coffee cup holders. We’ve also added an additional wheelchair bay to make sure the buses are fully accessible for all residents.”
A Dartford Borough Council spokesperson said: “Fastrack has had a tremendous impact since it arrived in Dartford. Reliable public transport is essential as the borough continues to grow and providing a fleet of sustainable, environmentally-conscious buses for people to get around is the next step in Fastrack’s success story.”
Isobel Hedley Jones, Fastrack Project Manager, said: “Go-Ahead is delighted to be delivering this pioneering zero-emission fleet in partnership with KCC and the manufacturer, Irizar. This collaboration will result in the first zero-emission buses ever to operate in Kent. The ie Tram-like bus fleet are part of Go-Ahead’s wider plan to improve the Fastrack network for the communities we will serve and signal commitment to high-quality, reliable, and punctual services.”
For the latest timetable and further information about Fastrack visit: Fastrack - The Award Winning Bus Rapid Transit System (go-fastrack.co.uk)
Notes to Editors
The Go-Ahead Group is the UK’s leading bus operator for decarbonisation, with over 1,100 zero-emission buses in operation, or on order.
