First is to introduce 36 electric buses, comprising new vehicles and repowered ones, to its Aberdeen fleet
First Bus is to invest £12.7 million into services in its home city of Aberdeen with a new fleet of 36 electric buses. Forming part of the over £100m investment announced by First Bus across the UK for 2024/25, the new fleet will consist of 24 new Wrightbus double-deckers and 12 repowered diesel buses. First Bus has partnered with the city’s Robert Gordon University to announce the investment, recognising that the university’s students will be the primary beneficiaries of the new buses, which are destined for core routes 1 and 2.
Set to join the Aberdeen fleet from the beginning of 2025, First says the new vehicle investment solidifies its dedication to achieving a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035, in line with COP26 commitments. Upon their arrival, First says the addition of the new buses will make the proportion of zero-emission vehicles in its Aberdeen fleet one of the highest in the UK, though the city’s fleet of 25 hydrogen buses remain out of service as a result of ongoing issues with the city council-owned hydrogen fuelling station.
Managing Director at First Bus Scotland Duncan Cameron said of the investment: “This £12.7 million investment in new electric buses is a game-changer for Aberdeen. It not only aligns with our green ambitions but also underscores our commitment to providing more sustainable and comfortable transportation options for the city.
“It was a pleasure to meet with students from Robert Gordon University to discuss the impact the new buses will have on the university and hear first-hand their passion for sustainability. By significantly increasing the number of zero-emission buses in our fleet, we are taking bold steps to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions, making Aberdeen a cleaner and healthier place to live.”
Director of Estates and Property Services at Robert Gordon University Bill Sommerville said: “RGU is pleased to be partnering with First Bus on the launch of its new electric buses that will both reduce commuting transport emissions in the city and provide our staff and students with a stress-free sustainable commute.
“We take great pride in our nature positive campus and actively encourage sustainable travel to improve our efforts in meeting our collective net zero targets. This includes not only encouraging the use of public transport for both commuting and business purposes but also encouraging the use of our own EV fleet where this is not possible.
“It is encouraging to partner with a like-minded local organisation who is also committed to reaching net zero emissions for the city and we are delighted that these new vehicles’ primary route will be to and from our Garthdee campus.”
Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales added: “Public transport is at the forefront of the green revolution and these buses for Aberdeen will instantly remove harmful emissions from the city. Our zero-emission buses have gained a global following, with exports to Asia, Australia and Europe, and this investment by First Bus demonstrates their continued commitment to sustainable transport solutions.”
