Go South Coast subsidiary Salisbury Reds has commenced work on depot infrastructure installation to support an expansion of its battery-electric bus fleet. 23 further buses are due to arrive early in 2026 and will be a mix of StreetDeck Electroliner double-deck and GB Kite Electroliner single-deck models from Wrightbus, the operator has confirmed.
Via a successful Wiltshire Council bid to the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme in England, ÂŁ3.4 million of government funding is going towards the project. The Wrightbus stock will join three BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro200EV battery-electrics already in service on park-and-ride duties with Salisbury Reds.
EO Charging will install 12 further chargers in a move that Salisbury Reds Managing Director Ben Murray (pictured, second from right) says will involve “some significant work” at the Castle Street depot.
Infrastructure fit-out will take until the autumn and is part of a total investment of around £15 million. The additional electric buses will be used on Salisbury Reds’ city services, the Stonehenge Tour, and its X4 to Larkhill.
Mr Murray says commencement of the depot work is “a momentous moment for the city – cementing our mission to put the region right at the forefront of sustainable transport.”
The Wrightbus vehicles are projected to remove more than 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year of operations. Reduced operational costs are cited as a further benefit.
Adds EO Charging Director of eBus Phil Kershaw: “We are proud to be working with Salisbury Reds to deliver the charging infrastructure needed to power its new electric bus fleet.
“This project is about more than just installing chargers – it is about building a futureproofed depot that keeps vehicles on the road and passengers moving while supporting Salisbury Reds’ and Wiltshire’s wider sustainability goals.
“Together, we are accelerating the growth of the city’s zero-emission public transport network.”
