LOCAL bus company Warrington’s Own Buses has officially moved into its new home, following the completion of the town’s new, state-of-the-art £10m depot on Dallam Lane.
Funded by Warrington Borough Council, the Town Deal fund, and the Getting Building fund – it forms a major and important part of Warrington’s vision to introduce a fully electrified bus fleet next year.
The bus depot, which replaces Warrington’s Own Buses’ previous depot on Wilderspool Causeway, has been fitted out to include chargers for the town’s new zero-emission (ZEBRA) electric bus fleet, which will see the introduction of 105 new buses in 2024.
The depot also marks the full conclusion of Warrington’s second Town Deal project, following the official opening of the town’s Health and Social Care Academy at Warrington and Vale Royal College, which opened in autumn 2022. A total of 223 staff are employed by the company, including 23 engineers.
It could become one of the first solar-powered facilities of its kind in the world!
Managing Director of Warrington’s Own Buses, Ben Wakerley, said: “I’m really pleased that after many years of planning, we have finally opened our new bus depot. We have been working hard to transfer our bus services and operations over from Wilderspool Causeway, and I’m very proud of our team for their support in a smooth transition for the company.
“The support from all of the organisations involved in supporting our new depot has been immense – everyone has really pulled together and I’m pleased that another important step in the continued development of Warrington’s bus services has been made.
“Better facilities will improve bus maintenance, reliability and, ultimately, improved customer service.”
Cllr Hans Mundry, cabinet member for highways, transportation and public realm, said: “The opening of the new bus depot for Warrington’s Own Buses is significant, as it paves the way for further bus service improvements.
“We have already seen a good increase in passenger numbers since we introduced our Better By Bus campaign – which has brought reduced fares and improved timetables – and we can now look forward to the new depot supporting the arrival of our cutting-edge, all-electric bus fleet – ZEBRA – next year.”
Steve Coffey, CEO of Torus and chair of Warrington’s Town Deal board, said: “Following the official opening of Warrington’s Health and Social Care Academy last year, it’s great to see another important Town Deal project be successfully delivered. Warrington’s Town Deal is becoming a real success story and it is down to our partnership working and collective vision to support the continued development of our borough.”
For more information about buses in Warrington, visit warrington.gov.uk/buses.
