More electric buses to be added to the city’s fleet in 2026
Brighton & Hove is set to benefit from more national funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) to replace high-emission diesel buses with low-emission electric vehicles.
In partnership with the council, Brighton & Hove Buses will introduce a further 13 electric buses in autumn 2026, in addition to the 16 already planned for spring 2026.
Providing more electric buses will help cut emissions and improve air quality in Brighton & Hove, including on routes in some of the city’s highest emission areas.
Last March, a partnership between the council and Brighton & Hove Buses was awarded £2.9 million from the DfT to support a £10.5 million project for 16 new electric buses and the charging infrastructure to support them.
These are due be introduced in spring 2026 along route 7, an essential service that operates up to every 6-8 minutes and in some of the city’s highest emission areas.
We have now been awarded an additional £2.3 million funding from the same scheme to introduce a further 13 electric buses.
The additional funding looks set to fully cover the cost of:
- 8 double-decker vehicles for route 6, so the current service of 6 buses every 16 minutes can increase to every 12 minutes.
- 5 double-decker vehicles for routes 5, 5A & 5B partially converted to electric buses.
The 13 extra buses for routes 5 and 6 are expected to be operational by September 2026.
Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport, Parking and the Public Realm, said: “With transport accounting for a third of carbon emissions in the UK, replacing diesel buses with zero-carbon alternatives will support us to be an accessible, clean and sustainable city and help us meet air quality targets.
“Thirteen more electric buses on top of the 16 already planned is fantastic news and an example of what we can achieve through a strong partnership and a shared vision.
“Having more reliable, accessible, zero-emission buses will help to reduce congestion, improve air quality and make Brighton & Hove a healthier, more mobile and and cleaner city.”
Alongside reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality, all these buses will also offer the high standard of accessible features that are provided on board most Brighton & Hove Buses, including induction loops for passengers with hearing aids, dementia-friendly floors and flexible space for a second wheelchair user, multiple pushchairs or prams.
Ed Wills, Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Buses, said: “We are delighted to receive further funding from the government through our superb partnership working with Brighton & Hove City Council.
“This is in addition to the £7 million that Brighton & Hove Buses have directly invested in the first 13 electric buses and £13 million investment to rebuild and electrify the Conway Street bus depot.
“Our passengers will enjoy quieter, smoother and greener journeys, with the added benefit of knowing their travel is environmentally friendly, as these buses produce zero emissions at the tailpipe."
