County's first electric buses due in 'coming weeks'

First Bus hopes to introduce 70 electric buses in Norwich by March 2024

Norfolk’s first electric double decker buses will be “going into service” in the coming weeks, transport bosses have confirmed.

First Bus is replacing its 70 diesel buses at its Roundtree Way depot in Norwich, as part of a £37m project.

The company said it was aiming to have more than half of its buses in the city fully electric by 2024.

Road traffic has been identified as a major source of air pollution in Norwich.

Piers Marlow, managing director of First East of England, said: "This is an exciting project that will not only have significant environmental benefits for Norwich but will also improve the journey experience for our customers with a quieter, smoother ride."

'Net-zero transport'

Norfolk County Council and First Bus were given £14.7m from the Department for Transport (Dft) to fund the scheme. First Bus also invested £23m.

Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "The arrival of these buses is an extraordinary boost to our ambitions to run a net-zero transport system in Norfolk and I am excited to see the first buses out in service very soon."

Two of the new electric vehicles will go on display at The Forum from 10:00BST to 16:00 on 24 October.