Brighton and Hove Buses has launched its first battery-electric fleet members in the form of 16 Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner double-decks. They have been part-funded by £2.9 million from the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas fund that was awarded to Brighton and Hove City Council.

The vehicles are for use on cross-city route 7 and are dual-door examples. As is customary with the operator, the buses major on accessibility, with such features shaped via what it describes as “ongoing collaboration” with interested parties to embed lived experience.

Brighton and Hove says that those design aspects are also informed by continuous passenger feedback. Among items specified are new dementia-friendly seating moquette, which has been developed by the operator in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society Horsham Rusty Brains Dementia Voice Group.

In an indication of the depth of that partnership, Alzheimer’s Society Service User Involvement Officer Tim Wilkins gave a speech to attendees at a launch event reflecting on the operator’s commitment to co-production and co-design of buses.

“The Horsham Rusty Brains are an incredible group of people living with a diagnosis, who have been front and centre in co-designing dementia friendly bus seating upholstery alongside the Brighton and Hove Buses team,” says Mr Wilkins.

“Seeing their lived experience shape something so visible brings real pride and shows the powerful impact of community voices.”

Also present at the launch event were the Deputy Lieutenant of Brighton and Hove, councillors, and representatives of the Department for Transport. Other local accessibility groups and charities were further guests.

Speaking about the electric buses’ arrival, Brighton and Hove Interim Managing Director Rupert Cox says: “This is an important step on our journey towards greener and more accessible travel for our passengers. The turnout at the launch event is testament to how much people care about their local bus service.”

Adds Wrightbus Managing Director of Sales for the UK and Ireland John McLeister: “Each vehicle represents not only a step forward in decarbonising transport, but also a commitment to accessibility, innovation, and passenger experience.

“These buses have been designed and built by our skilled teams in Ballymena, and the whole process supports thousands of jobs in the supply chain across the United Kingdom.”