The Lockerbie-based operator has achieved over 271,000 miles of electric mobility since it introduced electric minibuses last year
Family-run Dumfries & Galloway operator Houston’s Coaches has marked a milestone year in its transition to greener transport, providing sustainable bus journeys with help from renewable energy company ScottishPower. Following the company’s introduction of electric buses last year, the Lockerbie-based company has completed over 271,000 electric vehicle miles from its depot.
To counteract the lack of electric infrastructure across the rural region, Houston’s Coaches debuted its four electric buses in February 2023, supported by the installation of two charging points. In partnership with ScottishPower, the collaboration has resulted in Houston’s Coaches reducing its CO2 emissions by an estimated 37.5 tonnes.
The transition to electric buses came on the back of funding received by Houston’s Coaches through the first £50million phase of the Scottish Zero Emissions Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB), established by the Scottish Government in 2021. With ScottishPower assisting with the funding submission, Houston’s Coaches was one of 12 successful coach operators granted funding. The company covers routes across the south of Scotland, linking with Carlisle, Moffat and Gatehouse of Fleet plus private hire and day trips.
Managing Director William Houston said: “We’re accelerating our sustainable journey with electric buses already having a positive impact within the first year, allowing our customers to conveniently travel more sustainably. We’re truly proud to be able to say that we’re innovators who are not willing to let a lack of infrastructure stop us from achieving our sustainability goals. The transformation for our fleet in just one year has been great and we hope our work with ScottishPower inspires others to do the same.
“The support we have received from ScottishPower when applying for funding was invaluable, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with them to explore more green tech including solar panels and battery storage.”
Head of Smart Mobility at ScottishPower Andrew Mouat said: “Houston’s Coaches has emerged as a leader within their industry through investment in green tech. Providing valuable community transport and connectivity services, Houston’s Coaches are helping the customers they serve adopt greener choices as part of their everyday routines. There’s a huge opportunity for other operators to follow suit and bring the benefits of sustainable EVs to their community.”
