SALISBURY Reds could be granted 23 new electric buses if a bid for government funding is successful.

The company said that the money would be used to "revolutionise" Salisbury's city network and Stonehenge Tour bus services.

A total of £11.4m would be available for the company if the bid is successful, combined with the money that has already been ring-fenced.

Salisbury Journal:

This would allow Reds to buy 23 new all-electric single and double-decker buses.

The vehicles would be complete with tap-on, tap-off technology for contactless payments, USB charging points for all seats and next stop audio and visual announcements.

They will also have a fully accessible wheelchair ramp, audio loops, dementia-friendly internal colour schemes and CCTV for added security. 

Funding would also enable the bus operator’s depot to be further upgraded with charging infrastructure and it claims the move would see a significant reduction in Salisbury’s overall carbon emissions and improve air quality.

The money would be given under the Department for Transport's ZEBRA scheme and a decision is expected in March 2024.

If the bid is successful, the new fleet of electric buses is expected to arrive in February 2026.

Managing director of Salisbury Reds Andrew Wickham said: “I’m delighted to have been working with Wiltshire Council, once again, to bid for funding that will give Salisbury a brand new fleet of electric vehicles.

“Buses are an excellent solution for improving air quality and reducing congestion because they give people the option to leave their cars at home and use sustainable transport instead."

Salisbury Journal: Andrew Wickham said a successful bid could revolutionise bus travel in Salisbury.Andrew Wickham said a successful bid could revolutionise bus travel in Salisbury. (Image: Salisbury Reds)

Mr Wickham said the bid gives the company a "wonderful opportunity" to take greener transport in Salisbury "a massive step further".

“We know just how important it is to improve air quality across the city - and we are thrilled to be right at the forefront of transforming public transport for those living in, working in and visiting Salisbury," he added.

Councillor Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said: “If successful, this ZEBRA bid will see most of Salisbury’s city network of buses changed to electric, which would not only bring new, state-of-the-art buses and reduce carbon emissions, but also improve air quality in the city.

“We have committed to improving our bus network, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in our Business Plan, and if successful, this bid will bring these benefits and more, transforming the city’s transport network."