New electric buses will operate on the Universal bus route in Cambridge from 2023, with routes being added to serve Girton College, Homerton College and Wolfson College.
The extension of the bus contract is intended to support Cambridge University’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The new route will be divided, with half of the vehicles serving Girton College at the northern end of the route, and the other half routed along Grange Road and Newnham Road to better serve Wolfson College, with some operating on the Hills Road to serve Homerton College and the Faculty of Education.
Route U, the name given to the University bus, is subsidised by the university. The service reportedly carries around 60,000 people per week and connects Eddington with West Cambridge, the city centre, the train station and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Staff, students, visitors and tourists can all avail of the service.
The University’s Planning and Resources Committee signed off on the introduction of the electric bus service, which replaced an existing diesel service, as well as the expansion of the route.
The one-pound fee for university card holders will remain in place.
Professor David Cardwell, pro-vice-chancellor for strategy and planning, said: “We are delighted to announce that the Universal bus service will operate with a fleet of new electric buses from next year, and that students, staff and members of the public will soon be able to also use the service at Girton College, Homerton College and Wolfson College.
“Colleagues, in particular the university’s Sustainability Team, have worked hard on what are significant enhancements to the existing service, and have welcomed the positive working relationship they have had with student representatives, and their perspective on the service.
“The Universal bus is a pioneering initiative, and this new contract will support the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability, in particular sustainable business travel, as well as its work to meet the access requirements of all students.”
