There will be a chance to look around one of Plymouth’s new electric buses on Tuesday 17 June as part of an information event celebrating Better Transport Week.
The annual national celebration of sustainable travel is organised by Campaign for Better Transport and this year’s theme is connecting communities and bringing people together.
In support of the week the Council, Plymouth Citybus and Stagecoach South West (as representatives of the enhanced bus partnership) will be joined by organisations including Access Plymouth, Bikespace, British Cycling, Plymouth Active and Sustrans for an all-day event in the city centre showcasing some of the many sustainable transport options in Plymouth.
The event, being held on the Armada Way piazza from 9.45am to 4pm will feature a ribbon-cutting on one of the new Plymouth Citybus zero-emission electric double-deckers at 10am before members of the public get the chance to hop aboard and look around.
The buses, which will enter service this summer, are the result of a partnership project led by Plymouth Citybus, part of the Go-Ahead Group, with the support of Plymouth City Council, Cornwall Council, and the Department for Transport. The project will replace almost half of the Plymouth Citybus fleet with brand new electric vehicles.
Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus, will cut the ribbon with Councillor John Stephens, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport. They will be joined by representatives from Campaign for Better Transport.
Councillor Stephens said: “Better Transport Week is a great opportunity to find out more about the many greener travel options in Plymouth and try some out. With a full week’s programme of activities there really is something for everyone – whether you prefer walking, cycling, buses, ferries or trains. Come along on the 17th to see what’s on offer and take a look around the new electric buses.”
Richard Stevens added: "Better Transport Week is a valuable moment to shine a light on the importance of sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking travel for our communities. As someone deeply committed to the future of our city, I believe better, cleaner transport is essential to Plymouth’s continued growth and wellbeing.
"We’re proud to serve a city that values clean air, access to green spaces, and a strong sense of community. The introduction of our new electric buses is just one part of our ongoing commitment to delivering quieter, cleaner, and more accessible journeys. It’s about protecting what makes Plymouth special and connecting people to the lives they lead every day.”
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Good public transport networks, shared travel, walking, wheeling and cycling help connect us to the people we love, the things we need and the places that matter. That’s why we are delighted that Plymouth CityBus, Plymouth City Council and the Plymouth and South East Cornwall Zero Emission Bus Regional Area partners are using the week to launch Plymouth’s new electric bus fleet, which will help improve public transport journeys across the city and beyond.”
There will be various stands at the event, where people can get travel planning advice, find out more about The Big Green Trail (which returns on Saturday 21 June), learn about led walks, bike rides and cycle maintenance, pick up walking and cycling maps and much more.
Other events and activities will be taking place around Plymouth throughout the week. To view the full programme see our Better Transport Week page.