Blackburn Private Hire, a local transport company, has called on Blackburn with Darwen Council to install charging points to support its fledgling electric bus service.
The company’s two second-hand electric buses, the first of their kind to operate in Lancashire, currently run on a route between Highercroft and Blackburn city centre. However, their operation is limited to mornings due to insufficient battery life and the absence of mid-route charging infrastructure.
Paul Critchley, the director of Blackburn Private Hire, described the challenges his company faces as it strives to reduce its carbon footprint.
“The battery only lasts until mid-afternoon, and then we have to take the bus out of service and replace it with a diesel vehicle,” he said. “We’re hoping to get chargers installed in town, which should allow the buses to run all day.”
Despite the operational setbacks, Mr. Critchley remains optimistic about the potential of electric buses, which he said are highly appreciated by both customers and drivers. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive. People love the quieter, smoother rides, and our drivers appreciate the modern vehicles,” he said.
He highlighted that his company’s investment in the second-hand electric buses—each costing up to £300,000 when brand new—reflects its commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions. “This is our first step toward zero emissions. We’re determined to play our part in making transport greener,” Mr. Critchley added.
Appeal for Council Support
To ensure the viability of its electric fleet, Blackburn Private Hire has appealed to Blackburn with Darwen Council to provide the necessary charging infrastructure. As of now, the council has not issued a response to the request.
The lack of infrastructure in Blackburn contrasts with other towns in Lancashire that are investing heavily in zero-emission transport. Preston, for instance, is set to receive 10 new electric buses as part of the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA2) scheme.
Meanwhile, Blackpool is preparing for a complete overhaul of its public transport fleet. After securing £20 million under the ZEBRA2 scheme in 2022, Blackpool Transport is on track to replace 115 conventional buses with electric models over the coming years.
The first wave of these vehicles is expected to hit the streets next year, underscoring Blackpool’s commitment to sustainable transport.
The Road Ahead
Mr. Critchley expressed hope that Blackburn would follow the example of its neighboring towns and cities by investing in green transport solutions. He emphasized that the installation of charging points would not only benefit his company but also pave the way for a broader shift to electric buses in the region.
“This is about more than just our business; it’s about the future of transport in Blackburn,” he said. “With the right infrastructure, we can ensure that sustainable travel options are available to everyone.”
As Blackburn Private Hire continues to advocate for infrastructure improvements, the adoption of electric buses in the region remains a key test of the area’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
