Gideon Amos MP has hailed the roll out of a new fleet of pollution-free electric buses for Taunton and Wellington.

The buses, which come into operation this month, were showcased at Taunton’s Castle Green yesterday (Thursday).

Hopping aboard one of the new buses provided by First Bus, Mr Amos said: “It was back in 2018 that local Liberal Democrats first created proposals to bring cleaner, better, pollution-free, energy efficient buses to Taunton and Wellington.

“I’m absolutely delighted that my Lib Dem colleagues at Somerset Council, working together with First (Bus), have now secured these new electric vehicles which will run on 12 bus routes around Taunton and Wellington.

“Smart new vehicles on our roads will be great for Taunton and Wellington residents and visitors alike. They’re superb for air quality and for the environment.”

Cllr Richard Wilkins, Lead Member for Transport at Somerset Council, added: “This was in our manifesto and we’re delighted to deliver it in partnership with First and with government support.

“This will be great for passengers and will re energise bus travel in Taunton, Wellington and across Somerset “

Simon Goff, First Bus South's Managing Director, said: "It's exciting to be bringing 25 brand new electric buses to Somerset, supporting cleaner, greener travel in the county.

“We've made a major investment in this project, which shows our strong commitment to our passengers and bus services in Somerset.

“We're excited for our customers to experience these fantastic new buses."

David Northey, of Somerset Bus Partnership, commented: “The introduction of new EV buses in Somerset will bring a transformation in travel for passengers using the bus network in Taunton and Wellington, as well as services to Burnham-on-Sea and Minehead”

“It will help to reverse the decline in reliability, performance and cancellations while offering bus users state-of-the-art electric buses radiating from Taunton.

“These will be the first new buses for decades and will mark the start of a new era for local bus travel.”