SALISBURY will see 23 new electric buses join the Salisbury Reds’ fleet early next year.

Work is currently underway at the Reds’ depot in the city to create the infrastructure required to charge the new buses.

Reds currently has the capability to charge its three existing park and ride buses, but further work is required to ensure the facility is enhanced for when its new fleet begins service next year.

The new buses will operate on the city services, the X4 route and the Stonehenge Tour and the work is expected to last until the autumn.

Working with Wiltshire Council, Reds have invested around £15 million into the new buses thanks to additional funding from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area scheme.

Salisbury Reds managing director, Ben Murray, said work is now needed to make sure the new buses can be kept fully charged.

“To do this, we have chosen leading electrical vehicle (EV) charging company EO Charging, to install a further 12 charging points, which involves some significant work at our depot in Castle Street,” he said.

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“We expect this to take until the autumn – during which time we will ensure that any disruption for those living and working in the surrounding area will be kept to an absolute minimum.

“This is a momentous moment for the city – cementing our mission to put the region right at the forefront of sustainable transport.

“The time of arrival for the new electric buses is fast-approaching, and our whole team is excited to begin welcoming passengers on-board them early next year.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with Wiltshire Council to ensure the introduction of our new fleet is a smooth and seamless process.”

Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, streetscene and flooding at Wiltshire Council said: “These infrastructure upgrades at the depot are essential to support the new fleet of 23 electric buses for the city, marking a major step forward for both Salisbury and Wiltshire as a whole.

“When they enter service in 2026, the new buses will reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in Salisbury, saving more than 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year of operation.

“There are significant financial benefits too, as each electric bus costs around a quarter of the cost of a diesel bus to run – so these new buses will save both time and money and reduce carbon emissions.

“Once this work at the depot has been completed, we can look forward to the new fleet arriving in the city, delivering cleaner, greener, bus travel for both residents and visitors to Salisbury.”

Philip Kershaw, director of eBus at EO Charging, said: “We’re proud to be working with Salisbury Reds to deliver the charging infrastructure needed to power its new electric bus fleet.

“This project us about more than just installing chargers – it’s about building a future-proofed depot that keeps vehicles on the road and passengers moving, while supporting Salisbury Reds’ and Wiltshire’s wider sustainability goals.

“Together, we’re accelerating the growth of the city’s zero-emission public transport network.”