Brighton & Hove and Metrobus have ordered 20 Wrightbus hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for Fastway routes in the Crawley, Redhill and Gatwick Airport area. The single-deck GB Kite Hydroliner buses will be delivered in June 2022 and will be the first hydrogen powered vehicles in Go-Ahead’s fleet.
The single-deck fuel cell buses are part-funded with money from UK government and European Union zero-emission bus schemes.
Brighton & Hove and Metrobus are pursuing a bid for a second tranche of a further 34 buses to operate on other services in the Fastway bus rapid transit network.
David Brown, chief executive, Go-Ahead Group, says: “This is a significant milestone for Go-Ahead as we work towards our goal of a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. These buses will be clean, green and will provide a comfortable journey for passengers.
“New technology is only one piece of the puzzle though in addressing climate change – we also need to encourage a large-scale change in behaviour by persuading people to switch from cars to walking, cycling and public transport.”
Jo Bamford, executive chairman, Wrightbus, adds: “To date, our world-leading double decker Hydroliners have prevented one million kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. The introduction of the new GB Kite Hydroliner single decker will help to prevent even more carbon from being released.
“It’s fantastic to see Brighton & Hove and Metrobus taking this vital and progressive step to decarbonise public transport to help the UK hit its ambitious net zero targets.”
