The operator’s electric buses have travelled the equivalent of 400 times around the Earth
McGill’s Bus Group celebrated a key milestone on Thursday 19 June as it recorded 10 million zero-emission miles. Operating one of the largest fleets of electric buses in Scotland, the company reported the news on National Clean Air Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the impact of air pollution on health and the environment.
The company has introduced more than 110 zero-emission buses throughout its operations, with Inverclyde and Renfrewshire with the some of the highest proportions of electric buses in the UK, backed by infrastructure upgrades at four of its depots to facilitate the charging and maintenance of its electric fleet, at a total cost of over £55m.
In total, McGill’s says its electric buses have now travelled the equivalent of over 400 times around the Earth on their zero-emission journey, saving some 11,270 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, equivalent to planting around 1.3 million trees across an area the size of 2,784 football pitches.
Director of McGill’s Buses Sandy Easdale said: “Most of Greenock’s local bus network is now delivered using our zero emission buses, whilst Paisley is now top of the electric bus chart in the UK, with 80% of our fleet serving the town being electric. That compares to just 10% of buses being electric in London which is a phenomenal milestone for our company.”
Group Managing Director Alex Hornby added: “Our dedicated teams have worked tirelessly to deploy and maintain our fleet of over 110 electric buses. Our efforts are helping Scotland on its quest towards achieving net zero, whilst also providing a quieter, more comfortable journey for our passengers and we were delighted to welcome Stuart McMillan MSP along to see how we are embarking on our zero-emission journey.”
MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde Stuart McMillan recently visited McGill’s. He said: “I am grateful for the investment that McGill’s continue to make in their electric bus fleets and I am pleased to celebrate this milestone with them. Quality, zero emission public transport is great news for our region in not just reducing congestion and carbon emissions, but by giving local people access to jobs and education too.”
