Electric is set to replace diesel after the government announced their £33m investment towards 186 electric buses in Sheffield.
Transport minister, Heidi Alexander announced the £33 million investment at the First Bus depot in Sheffield yesterday.
The buses are set to be introduced in Sheffield by September 2027, according to the Department of Transport.
Callum Shaw, a regular bus user, said: “As a student, most of us really rely on buses to get around the city, so any improvements to public transport are definitely something we will notice.
“Transport pollution is a big factor towards climate change nowadays, so electric buses will definitely make a difference across the city.”
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is also contributing £59.28m, and an additional £25.99m for infrastructure.
The aim is to provide people with a more affordable and cleaner form of public transport, alongside reducing carbon emissions.
The government’s investment aims to continue replacing diesel buses with electric ones, and create a more positive experience for bus users.
Councillor Tom Hunt, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “This will allow us to take old diesel buses off our streets and will mean better journeys for passengers, less pollution, and cleaner air for us all to breathe.
“The government is committed to investing in our public transport and we are working to get these buses on the streets of Sheffield as soon as possible.”
He noted that nitrogen dioxide levels in Sheffield had decreased 23 per cent in the last three years, following the introduction of the Clean Air Zone in February 2023.
Another bus user, Graham Ryan, 60, said: “It’s great, electric is the future now. If it makes the city less noise polluted then people will be all for it.
“I think a lot more people will opt for buses in the future, especially if it’s going to make bus journeys more comfortable for us, but the council needs to make sure that they are also focusing on fixing other transport problems.”
The council said the introduction of the new electric buses will also improve the journey experience for passengers with the vehicles being cleaner, greener, quieter and more reliable.