The new electric bus will replace their existing diesel lease bus and include all the facilities of the diesel model, plus full wheelchair access, a solar panel on the roof to power equipment and messaging about air quality and sustainability.
The Health and Wellbeing Bus travels across the borough to community events, staffed by our friendly team of health champions. Onboard, we offer a range of services, including blood pressure checks, mental health support, welfare advice, and more.
The team on the bus is dedicated to bringing vital support directly to the heart of our communities, raising awareness of local services, and helping residents in Lambeth stay healthier for longer.
Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “The Lambeth Health and Wellbeing bus has played a vital role helping protect people by offering support within their communities.
“Moving to an electric-powered bus underlines how we are committing to the goals of Lambeth’s’ Climate Action Plan and helps us create a happier, healthier borough. deliver for everyone who lives and works here.
“It is crucial that we reduce the amount of toxic emissions produced by vehicles on the road in order to protect the health of everyone in Lambeth, so it’s great to see more of our fleet switching from petrol or diesel vehicles to electric vehicles.”
The bus was purchased using Lambeth Council’s Net Zero Innovation Fund, which financed projects that could demonstrate innovative ways to foster collaboration across departments and enable services to be delivered more sustainably.
The bus is expected to reduce an estimated 2,500 kg of CO2 per year (based on its mileage per year), the equivalent of over 11,000 miles of driving in a petrol car. In addition to reducing our carbon emissions, using an electric bus is part of the work to improve air quality in Lambeth.
The new battery electric bus will produce zero tailpipe emissions, eliminating a source of nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant that is harmful to our health. It can inflame the airways in our lungs and, over a long period of time, affect how well our lungs work. People with asthma are particularly affected.
The new functionalities will enhance accessibility, visibility, and commitment to a healthier, more sustainable Lambeth. The new outdoor TV screen will also serve as a mobile messenger, promoting key local health messaging and campaigns and communicating the importance of using local green energy and pursuing low-carbon and more sustainable forms of transport.
This will help staff engage with residents on how they can reduce their carbon emissions and help with the cost of living worries.
Switching to an electric vehicle exemplifies our commitment to Lambeth’s Climate Action Plan goals of improving air quality and breaking the association between inner-London living and pursuing World Health Organisation air quality targets.
It will join the other 33 electric vehicles and five hybrid vehicles in Lambeth Council’s fleet.
Through the Borough Plan, Lambeth 2030: Our Future, Our Lambeth, the council is seeking to create a lifelong borough with the best conditions to age well with neighbourhoods fit for the future where residents can lead happier, healthier lives.
See more information on Lambeth’s commitments here: Lambeth: Progress and way forward on achieving net zero outlined
