New Stagecoach East electric bus breakdown was ‘minor teething issue’

One of the new electric buses launched last Friday (May 12) at IWM Duxford broke down over the weekend, though operator Stagecoach East insists that this is always a possibility when it comes to rolling out new technology.

Terry Absalom, engineering director for Stagecoach East, said: “Our new electric buses are the first of this vehicle type to enter service in the UK, so there is always the chance of some minor teething issues during the roll out.

“However, this was swiftly resolved, and our engineering teams continue to work closely with our partners at Volvo on the vehicle maintenance to ensure that all buses are fit for service.

"We are delighted to have launched this new fleet of zero-emission buses, in partnership with the CPCA [Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority], GCP [Greater Cambridge Partnership], the Department for Transport, and the government’s ZEBRA [Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas] scheme.

“As part of our group commitment to decarbonising our nationwide bus network and transitioning to a 100 per cent electric bus fleet by 2035, we have also invested £2million into charging infrastructure for our Cambridge depot, to support the launch of this new fleet and provide smart charging for the buses overnight.

“We hope everyone gets the chance to ride on board the new buses and do their bit for the environment by reducing their carbon footprint.”

The new vehicles are part of the largest investment in Cambridge’s bus network in a decade and are designed to help tackle air pollution and encourage more people to travel by bus.

The zero-emission, double-decker buses were introduced into service last Sunday (May 14) at the Madingley, Trumpington and Newmarket Park and Ride sites. They will be in service from Sunday, June 4, at the Milton and Babraham Park and Ride sites, and then from mid-June on the Citi 2 service.