Bus operators are hoping to add 10 new electric double-decker buses to their fleet.

Morebus and Dorset Council have submitted a bid for funding that would see a raft of zero emission buses arrive in the county. 

The funding, part of the next phase of the Department for Transport’s ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Area) scheme, would be used to revolutionise the operator’s Purbeck Breezer routes 40 and 50.

If the bid is successful, the funding awarded will be added to investment already ring-fenced by Morebus and Dorset Council, resulting in a total of £6.4m.

This will secure 10 new, all electric open top double decker buses - 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. 

The funding will also enable the bus operator’s Swanage depot to be upgraded with electric charging infrastructure. The move will see a significant reduction in the area’s overall carbon emissions and improve air quality.

Morebus managing director, Andrew Wickham, said: “I’m delighted to have been working with Dorset Council, to bid for funding that will give the region 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. 

“This joint bid gives us a wonderful opportunity to take greener transport in Dorset a massive step even further - with the exciting prospect of 12 electric buses here.

“This also ties in perfectly with our parent company the Go-Ahead Group’s Climate Change Strategy - which has an overarching target to become a net zero carbon business by 2045.

“We know just how important it is to improve air quality here - and we are thrilled to be right at the forefront of transforming public transport for those living in, working in and visiting Dorset”

The ZEBRA bid has been submitted and a decision from DfT is expected in March 2024. If successful, the new fleet of electric buses is expected to arrive in February 2026.