On a ministerial visit to Warrington South, Andy Carter MP was joined by the Minister for Roads and Local Transport, Richard Holden MP, to see the town’s new bus depot being constructed on Dallam Lane near to the Halliwell Jones Stadium. On site the Minister met with Ben Wakerley, Managing Director of Warrington’s Own Buses, and Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council, to discuss future plans for Warrington’s public transport network.
The Minister’s visit comes ahead of the official opening of the new depot in March, where it will temporarily house Warrington’s current bus fleet while the new fleet of zero-emission buses are phased into service over the next 18 months. The new depot and electric bus fleet comes as a result of £42million Town Deal and Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) funding from the Government, one of the largest bus investments in the North of England.
The Government’s investment will see Warrington’s Own Buses’ entire fleet replaced by over 100 zero-emission buses, with £16million dedicated to improving the running of services to allow for more frequent services and covering more routes. The site of the current depot on Wilderspool Causeway is expected to be cleared for development of new affordable housing.
Richard Holden MP, Minister for Roads and Local Transport, said: “It is fantastic to see the groundwork being laid for a new bus depot here in Warrington made possible by this Government’s investment and local bus services benefiting from an additional £16 million cash boost that Andy campaigned so hard for.
“We have further committed £21.5 million for over 100 new electric buses, turbocharging Britain’s efforts to deliver next generation U.K. bus manufacturing jobs, reduce emissions and offering passengers a cleaner way to travel.”
Andy Carter MP said: “It was great to have Transport Minister Richard Holden visiting Warrington to see how work on our new bus depot on Dallam Lane is progressing, ahead of the new fleet of more than 100 zero-emission buses arriving. Warrington’s Own Buses have benefitted from massive Government funding to transform its fleet to all-electric, and it’s important that funding is invested in next generation bus manufacturing right here in the UK. After a year of delays I’m glad to hear that progress is finally being made on placing an order for our new bus fleet.
“I want to see a better public transport network for our town and surrounding areas – that means cheaper fares for commuters and more reliable, clean energy buses. The £2 flat fare subsided by the Government which launched back in January has helped increase passenger numbers on routes across Warrington and the rollout of new zero-emission buses over the next 18 months will help give local residents greater choice between using their cars or riding on public transport.”
Ben Wakerley, Managing Director at Warrington’s Own Buses said: “It was excellent to show Richard around the new bus depot, which is the delivery of funding in action. 2023 will be an exciting year for the bus company as we move into the new premises and then roll out the brand new electric buses.”
