Whippet, owned by international transport operator Ascendal, has strengthened its partnership with the University of Cambridge through a new eight-year zero-emission bus contract.
The 103-year-old Cambridge operator has been awarded a contract to provide and operate a fleet of electric buses, replacing existing Euro VI diesel buses on the services in an effort that aims to support the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Whippet has been operating the Universal bus service on behalf of the University of Cambridge since 2016, over which time it says ridership has grown by more than 400%. The current operation links Eddington with West Cambridge, the city centre, the railway station and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, carrying over 60,000 passengers a week. Under the new contract, which starts in July 2023, the route will be extended to also serve Girton College, Homerton College and Wolfson College.
Adam Leishman, founder and Executive Chairman at Ascendal Group, said: “Having successfully launched zero-emission buses in multiple international markets – most recently in Hong Kong – we are incredibly excited to continue partnering with the University of Cambridge as we support their transition from diesel to electric. Cambridge is where Ascendal was founded, so this contract marks a key milestone for us as we strive to provide an international showcase example of the future of zero-emission mobility – that’s what we get excited about.”
