Plymouth celebrates Better Transport Week

Held on Tuesday 17 June in Plymouth city centre, the event marked the national celebration of sustainable travel organised by Campaign for Better Transport. This year’s theme was all about connecting communities and bringing people together.

In support of the week, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Citybus and Stagecoach South West – representing the enhanced bus partnership – were joined by a range of local organisations, including Access Plymouth, Bikespace, British Cycling, Plymouth Active, and Sustrans. Together, they showcased many of the sustainable travel options available in the city.

The event took place on the Armada Way piazza from 9.45am to 4pm and featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10am to officially unveil one of the new zero-emission electric double-deckers. Attendees were invited to hop aboard and explore the bus, which will enter service this summer as part of a wider effort to replace nearly half of the Plymouth Citybus fleet with new electric vehicles.

The partnership project behind the fleet upgrade was led by Plymouth Citybus, part of the Go-Ahead Group, with the support of Plymouth City Council, Cornwall Council, and the Department for Transport.

Richard Stevens, Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus and Go Cornwall Bus, cut the ribbon alongside Councillor John Stephens, Plymouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport. They were joined by representatives from Campaign for Better Transport.

Councillor Stephens said:
“Better Transport Week is a great opportunity to learn more about the many greener travel options in Plymouth. With a week-long programme of activities, there really is something for everyone – whether you prefer walking, cycling, buses, ferries or trains. We were delighted to welcome so many people on the 17th to explore what’s on offer and take a look around our new electric buses.”

Richard Stevens added:
“Better Transport Week gave us a chance to highlight the importance of sustainable, inclusive, and future-focused travel in Plymouth. Clean air, access to green spaces, and community connection are at the heart of our mission. These new electric buses are a big step toward quieter, cleaner and more accessible journeys across the city.”

Ben Plowden, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, commented:
“Good public transport, shared travel, walking, wheeling and cycling help connect us to what really matters. We’re delighted that Plymouth has used Better Transport Week to launch this new electric bus fleet, which will improve journeys for people across the city and beyond.”

The event also featured travel planning advice, walking and cycling maps, information about The Big Green Trail (returning Saturday 21 June), led walks and bike rides, and demonstrations on cycle maintenance.

Additional events and activities will continue throughout the week. To view the full programme, visit the Better Transport Week page.