Kent County Council (KCC) is pleased to announce the introduction of Dover’s first fully electric buses on the Dover Fastrack network, marking a significant development in modernising public transport for residents, businesses and visitors.
Delivered in partnership with Stagecoach South East and Dover District Council, the project has been made possible through funding from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme. The collaboration between partners has been central to securing funding and supports KCC’s ongoing work to strengthen and improve local transport services.
The new fleet of five Volvo BZL electric buses are capable of travelling up to 300 kilometres on a single charge and offer smooth and quiet operation, enhancing the journey experience for passengers. Each vehicle has been designed with comfort and accessibility in mind, featuring low-floor access, dedicated wheelchair spaces, on‑board digital information screens, and USB Type B and Type C charging points at every seat.
This launch represents a key milestone in the Dover Fastrack service - a modern, high‑quality rapid bus transit system connecting Whitfield with Dover town centre and Dover Priory railway station. Since its introduction in November 2024, Dover Fastrack, operated by Stagecoach South East, has seen strong and continued growth in users. The service recently extended its timetable to run even earlier in the mornings and to meet the last late night High-Speed trains.
Peter Osborne, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “The introduction of these electric buses is an important step in strengthening public transport for the Dover area. This project reflects the strong partnership between KCC, Stagecoach South East and Dover District Council, and demonstrates our shared commitment to providing reliable, modern and high‑quality services for residents, businesses and visitors.
‘As the Whitfield area continues to develop, we fully anticipate the service to continue to grow and play its part a key role in stimulating the local economy, with a strong focus on increasing footfall in the town centre.”
Joel Mitchell, Managing Director of Stagecoach South East, said: “This represents a major investment for the people of Dover and for Kent as a whole. These electric buses will provide a smoother, quieter journey for our customers while significantly reducing environmental impact. It’s an important step forward in delivering a more sustainable public transport network for the region.”
Cllr Gordon Cowan, DDC Cabinet Member for Transport said: “We are delighted to welcome the launch of electric vehicles on Dover Fastrack. We are pleased to have been involved in helping facilitate this project, to have secured the funding for the infrastructure, and to have worked with KCC as the Highways Authority and Stagecoach as the service provider.”
Domenico Bondi, Managing Director at Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, says: “It has been a privilege to partner with Kent County Council, Dover District Council, and Stagecoach South East to deliver this project. This investment is an important step for East Kent, providing cleaner air and quieter journeys on the local public transport network. The support from our dealer MC Truck & Bus is also integral, with its skilled local team in Hythe providing the technical expertise the operator needs to keep the vehicles performing at their best for the communities they serve.”
