Drive to get bus shelters 'off-grid'
A bold move by Telford & Wrekin Council to replace bus shelters with self sufficient energy will cut carbon emissions and create the first off-grid bus station in the country.
The extensive programme will see the majority of shelters converted to off-grid sites and kick-start a range of improvements towards a zero emission fleet.
Various measures are set to be introduced over the next three years coupled with an initial expected investment in the region of £500k as part of the Travel Telford sustainable transport fund with more planned for the future.
Cabinet Member for economy, housing, transport and infrastructure, David Wright said: “The new shelters are a small part of a bigger bus service improvement plan that links to national funding aiming to bring about simpler fares, create better routes as well as clearer timetables and passenger information.”
Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for climate change, green spaces, natural and historic environment, said:
“We are pioneering these shelters which follow hot on the heels of a successful installation in the town centre during the summer – the first in the country.
“This is very exciting and demonstrates quite clearly our commitment to tackling the climate emergency and improving services for residents.”
Where possible, existing shelters will become ‘off-grid’ which means where electricity is needed for timetable information, lighting and the new technology will enable the shelter to generate its own.
Wellington station, Hadley and Madeley Interchange along with various sites will benefit from bespoke solutions such as micro wind turbines, sedum roofs and solar power to suit the location. Once installed Wellington bus station will be the first off-grid bus station in the country.
Further replacement and upgrades of shelters, currently under the ownership of town and parish council’s, will also be undertaken next year.
The move is part of the council’s plans to develop a zero-emission bus fleet over the coming years, including the introduction of battery-operated vehicles with a demonstration set to take place later this month.
For more information on the bus service improvement plan, please visit the website.
