Government Investment For Nine More Electric Buses For Isle Of Wight

Southern Vectis, in partnership with Isle of Wight Council, has successfully secured Department for Transport (DfT) investment for a further nine double decker electric buses on the Isle of Wight.

The DfT had previously awarded funding from its ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Area) scheme, to bring 22 new electric buses to the Island.

This project, which includes the purchase of the electric buses and the installation of the electric charging infrastructure at Southern Vectis’ depot, is well under way and is scheduled to begin in 2026.

The nine extra double decker electric buses will mainly be used on routes 4, 8 ad 37, which operate in Ryde, and link the town with East Cowes, Seaview, Bembridge, St Helens, Sandown and Newport.

They are They are expected to begin operation in 2026 and the successful bid, which is worth more than £4.4m, also includes a further five additional chargers with 10 additional charging points at the Newport depot.

The project to provide the extra buses is expected to cost around £3.8m, with both Southern Vectis and Isle of Wight Council contributing the additional funds.

“This is excellent news for the Isle of Wight, and it will further drive our mission to put the Island right at the forefront of sustainable transport,” said Southern Vectis managing director, Andrew Wickham. 

“These new buses will help to improve air quality here, and reduce carbon emissions, while also giving passengers modern, high-quality buses for their journeys.

“The additional joint investment is testament to the excellent relationship we have with Isle of Wight Council, and we will continue to work together to ensure the Isle of Wight’s bus network remains the envy of other areas of the United Kingdom.”

Stewart Chandler, the council’s transport strategy manager, added: 

“I am delighted that electric buses will be landing on our Island soon.

"The arrival of zero-emission buses is a big step in reducing carbon emissions from transport as we work hard to address the climate crisis.

"The support that Southern Vectis has shown for this project demonstrates the excellent working relationship we have with the bus operator and how working together can help achieve the very best for the Island.”

For more information about Southern Vectis, please visit islandbuses.info