BUS routes through Thurrock and Basildon operated by the First Bus Company could soon be serviced by electric vehicles.

First Bus has officially started work at its Basildon Bus Depot as part of a major initiative to introduce 55 electric buses to the area, funded through a partnership with Essex County Council.

The landmark project, supported by a £4.8 million grant from the Department for Transport's (DfT) Zero Emission Bus Regional Area scheme, is further bolstered by a £25.8 million investment from First Bus.

The combined £30.6 million funding will enable the purchase of 55 electric buses and the transformation of the Basildon depot into a fully electric-ready facility.

Piers Marlow, Managing Director of First Bus East of England, said: "We're excited that work has begun at our Basildon depot, transforming it into the operational centre for 55 brand-new, fully electric vehicles.

"These quiet, modern, zero-emissions buses are fantastic news for our customers and will mean better air quality for Basildon. We look forward to having them out on the road serving customers by the end of 2025."

Cllr Mark Platt, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport at Essex County Council, said: "The new Basildon Bus Depot will be a game changer for sustainable transport across the borough.

"It was great to have toured the site which will soon be home to a whopping 55 electric buses. I got a chance to view the designs of the bus station, which look impressive, and meet some of the workers.

"Funding from First Bus, Essex County Council and the Department for Transport will help bring new technology to the transport network and transform how local residents can travel more sustainably in Basildon."