A new fleet of electric buses is set to replace the current diesel-powered vehicles serving St Albans and Welwyn Hatfield.

This morning (December 13), Uno and Hertfordshire County Council announced that 27 new buses will be in operation by 2026, with the first scheduled for 2024.

The zero-emission vehicles will serve routes in the Hatfield, St Albans and Welwyn Garden City areas.

In addition to the environmental positives, the new electric buses will "provide enhanced comfort, quieter operation and a smoother journey".

Improved reliability and a "more cost effective nature" will also benefit Uno and Hertfordshire County Council.

Phil Bibby, executive member for highways and transport at Hertfordshire County Council said: “The ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas) funding will provide a wonderful opportunity to start replacing our old bus models with new electric ones, helping to make our county a cleaner and greener one that we all want to enjoy.

“I’m delighted that Uno have been able to partner with us to make this happen.

"The new fleet will help deliver improved air quality and lower emissions, as well as an enhanced customer experience for existing and future users.”   

The scheme has been funded by the UK Government's Department for Transport, to help local transport authorities introduce zero emission buses.

Decarbonisation minister Jesse Norman added: “Zero-emission buses are a key part of the UK's effort to decarbonise its transport sector. That is why the Government has provided Hertfordshire County Council with £5.6 million to decarbonise its bus fleet.

“These 27 electric buses will be rolled out on local bus routes over the next few years, as the Government continues its work to create more sustainable transport and improve the journeys that matter most to people.”

The managing director of Uno has described the plans as "exciting" and spoke of the impact that they will have on residents.

Jim Thorpe commented: “We are delighted to be working together with Hertfordshire County Council to introduce this impressive fleet of 27 zero-emission buses.

"It’s such an exciting time for the team here with plans already underway to install the very latest charging infrastructure at our Hatfield Depot.

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“Every day we connect people with work, education, appointments, shopping, as well as with friends and family; and by offering a greener and cleaner option we’re confident more and more people will join us on board.”

Lastly, the leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council spoke of the council's environmental targets.

Paul Zukowskyj said: "I welcome this fantastic investment in decarbonising transport from the DfT, Hertfordshire County Council and the bus operator Uno.

"Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has an ambition for the whole of Welwyn Hatfield to be net zero by 2050 and this is a huge step towards that target."