Telford Home to UK’s First Off-Grid Bus Station
Telford and Wrekin Council is boosting its eco rating by installing the first bus station in the UK to generate its own electricity - known as off-grid
Telford and Wrekin Council is boosting its eco rating by installing the first bus station in the UK to generate its own electricity - known as off-grid.
Wellington station will be the first to begin the shift to self-sufficiency, in addition even more state-of-the-art, eco bus shelters will also be installed throughout the borough
Renewable, carbon-free energy that is generated through wind turbines and solar panels, will power lighting and real-time information screens – ensuring no power is needed from the national grid.
The stations will have improved accessibility features such as voice and push button announcements along with increased security and safety as the new open plan allows for CCTV surveillance.
The new facilities form part of the council’s drive to cut emissions and also a wider government strategy to deliver better services nationwide.
Deputy Leader Councillor Richard Overton, Cabinet Member for Housing, Enforcement and Transport said: “We are looking to transform bus travel in line with feedback from residents following a survey last summer – not just about improving routes, timetables and the on-board experience, but also how they are run and how we access and pay for them.
“The council has taken it upon itself to deliver the environmental benefits of the plan and we are awaiting a decision from government on allocated funding in the hope that we can secure more to deliver our aspirations for the bus service as a whole.”
Councillor Carolyn Healy, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Parks, Green Spaces, Natural and Historic Environment and Cultural Services said: “This is a great step forward and shows clearly how Telford & Wrekin Council is leading the way in its approach to reducing carbon emissions and making Telford an even cleaner and greener place to live.
“We are already ranked in the top three per cent of UK councils tackling climate change issues and want residents to know we are on their side, and will continue to push to achieve our targets using innovative and efficient ways.”
“Part of the bus service improvement bid to government includes an investment in zero and low emission buses to achieve our net zero target by 2030. If successful, this would support the move to almost a third of our bus fleet being electric with plans to expand in time.
The roll out of bus shelters has already started in Madeley, Dawley, Hadley and Wellington and will be followed by St Georges Road, Hartshill, Whitehouse Hotel with all work is due to complete by the end of the spring. Subject to further funding the council hopes to install off grid shelters across the borough.
Each one is powered by micro wind turbines and solar panels and can generate enough electricity, to power the average household for a year.
The council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) asks for £40m to deliver a comprehensive package of high quality measures following the launch in 2021 of Government’s long-term plan, backed by £3 billion of funding – decisions are yet to be announced by government.
For full details of the Bus Service Improvement Strategy visit the website.
