ELECTRIC buses are set to be rolled out across Basildon and the town’s bus station drastically improved thanks to a £30million cash injection.

The Department for Transport has confirmed Basildon will be one of a number of areas in England to receive a major funding boost to help introduce electric buses.

Essex County Council and First Buses first secured £4.8 million from the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme to fund 55 electric buses in Basildon.

However, First Buses is additionally investing £25.8 million into the scheme, which will see the Basildon bus depot upgraded.

Kevin Blake, councillor responsible for environment, carbon reduction and waste enforcement at Basildon Council, welcomed the news.

He said: “We have ambitious plans to reach Carbon net zero in the borough and I am delighted to hear of the introduction of these electric buses.

“I would also like to thank First buses for their significant investment into the transport infrastructure.

“Making transport more sustainable will contribute considerably to us reaching our net zero targets.”

The buses are expected to be in place in late 2025, and are expected to service Basildon, as well as routes between the town and neighbouring areas such as Chelmsford, Lakeside, and Southend.

Piers Marlow, managing director of First East of England, added: “We are absolutely delighted with today’s announcement that we have secured zero-emission bus funding from the Department for Transport.

“We have worked in close partnership with Essex County Council on this bid, and we are excited about getting these vehicles onto the road.

“The £25.8million investment from First Bus, combined with £4.8 million of ZEBRA funding, secures the upgrade of our Basildon Depot, and the purchase of 55 brand new fully electric buses for Essex.

“These vehicles are modern and quiet, making them great news for our customers, but crucially they are also great news for our communities, as zero tailpipe emissions means cleaner air for residents and visitors.