Herts’ Uno launches first electric buses in Hertfordshire

Uno, a local bus company owned by the University of Hertfordshire, has launched the first five electric buses as part of its newly branded Electric Shuttle service.

The buses will operate on the routes between Herts campuses and the Angerland park-and-ride facility, marking a significant step toward sustainable transport in the region.

These are the first of 27 electric buses set to be delivered over the next 12 months.

A special launch event at the College Lane campus celebrated the start of “a greener, cleaner future for Hertfordshire’s buses”.

The investment, part of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) funding scheme, is a collaboration between Hertfordshire County Council, the Department for Transport (DfT), and Uno.

The joint initiative aims to enhance air quality and cut carbon emissions across the county, officials say.

Passengers will also benefit from a smoother, quieter, and more comfortable ride while electric buses will also benefit the local communities, they add.

Jim Thorpe, Managing Director for Uno, said: “It’s great to come together today to celebrate the beginning of a greener, cleaner future for Hertfordshire’s buses.

“This is a significant milestone for all of us and highlights Uno’s commitment, as well as that of our key partners at Hertfordshire County Council and the DfT, to deliver sustainable, reliable transport for our local communities.

“Everyone at Uno, along with our parent company the University of Hertfordshire, is delighted to be part of this journey as we look ahead and continue ‘powering up to get down to zero!’

Phil Bibby, Executive Members for Highways at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “It’s inspiring to see the future of transport arriving in Hertfordshire.

“These new electric buses are more than just vehicles, they represent cleaner air, lower emissions, and a better travel experience for university students initially, but all Hertfordshire residents eventually.

“I’m proud of our partnership with Uno and the DfT, and I can’t wait to see the positive changes this brings to our communities.

“This is just one of many initiatives we’re supporting to encourage residents to opt for more sustainable methods of transport than the car.”

The newly introduced single-deck buses are designed with both comfort and capacity in mind, accommodating up to 93 passengers.

They boast an impressive range of over 300 miles on a single charge before returning to the depot for recharging.

The next batch of buses is set to arrive in September 2025, with final deliveries expected by April 2026.