UK bus operator First Bus has announced a collaboration with internet broadband provider Openreach, granting the company access to First’s rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at its bus depots nationwide.
The first phase of the partnership will see up to 30 EVs in Openreach’s fleet charged at First Bus depots in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Leicester while buses are in service.
According to First Bus, this will enable Openreach engineers to cover more ground, reduce their environmental impact, and dedicate more time to the needs of their customers.
Faizan Ahmad, decarbonisation programme director at First Bus, said: “We’re excited about this collaboration, showcasing the power of teamwork to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the communities we serve.
“The shift to electric is a journey for businesses nationwide, and we are offering a smart, community-friendly solution that’s simple, effective, and benefits everyone.”
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The deal sees Openreach join DPD and Police Scotland in the shared infrastructure initiative from one of the UK’s largest bus operators.
Openreach Scotland’s partnership director, Robert Thorburn, added: “We are excited to try a new approach with First Bus that can potentially help both our businesses.
“As two major fleet operators in the UK, it makes sense for us to explore the most efficient ways to power up our electric vans and buses.
“First Bus has made a massive investment in charging infrastructure and using their empty stations to juice up our vans will take pressure off public charge points.
“Our engineers often live in flats or apartments where charging is not yet an option, so this will make life easier for them too. “
Openreach currently has more than 3,000 EVs in its fleet and is aiming to convert all its diesel vehicles to zero-emission models by 2031.
Likewise, First aims to reach a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.
Achievements and innovations in EV charging will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations officially open in March 2024. Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
