WORK has started on building Britain’s first purpose-built electric bus depot as Warrington’s municipal bus company celebrates its 120th anniversary.
The builders Carefoot are now on-site laying the foundations with a large team of specialists managing the process with a steel frame soon to take shape.
A “sod-cutting” ceremony is planned for next week and will be performed by Warrington’s Own Buses longest-serving employee, engineer Phil Russell, who has clocked up almost half a century with the company.
Managing Director Ben Wakerley said: “We hope that the buildings will complete towards the end of this year and then groundwork will continue as we create Britain’s first purpose-built electric bus depot!
“With support from UK government and our shareholder, Warrington Borough Council, we are set to replace our entire fleet of buses. The electricity will come from solar farms, making our town’s bus network truly green and carbon-neutral from end to end.
“We are informally trialing some electric buses, including a Yutong, Wrights, ADL and Mercedes.
Mr Wakerley added: “The new depot and buses make this a terrific time to work here and will be only the second time the company has moved as 2022 marks our 120th anniversary. For that entire time, the business has been owned by the people of Warrington.
“It is fitting that as we celebrate our past, we invest in our future with the new depot and fleet”.
One of the green buses
