Funding made available through Scottish Government’s Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme will see Stagecoach invest in 46 new electric buses for Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Perth
Stagecoach has announced the introduction of 46 new fully electric buses thanks to an investment of £21.4m across Scotland, as part of its drive to improve air quality and support the Scottish Government’s environmental targets.
The order follows the announcement by the Scottish Government of additional funding being awarded through a second round of the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme designed to help bus companies invest in electric vehicles and associated infrastructure to support a green recovery out of the coronavirus pandemic, improve air quality and advance Scotland’s ambitions for a net-zero economy.
The Scottish Government has set a legally binding target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, and Stagecoach recently announced that it is targeting a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2035.
Funding has been awarded following a competitive bidding process, with the Scottish Government investing £8.9m from its grant scheme in the new Stagecoach buses. The new order will be made up of: 22 electric double-decker ADL Enviro400 buses for use in Aberdeen City; 15 electric single-decker ADL Enviro200 buses for use on Kilmarnock Town Services 3, 6 and 7; and nine electric single-decker ADL Enviro200 single-deckers for use in Perth on routes 1 and 2. The new buses will be built in Falkirk by Alexander Dennis (ADL) in partnership with BYD.
The award from Scottish Government also includes funding for electric infrastructure for depots. Stagecoach is partnering with Scottish-headquartered low carbon energy company SSE to deliver the new electrical infrastructure needed in Aberdeen and Perth depots.
Sam Greer, Regional Director for Stagecoach in Scotland, said: “Sustainable public transport is critical to the future of our planet: decarbonising local journeys, reducing road congestion, improving air quality and tackling climate change. We welcome today’s announcement by the Scottish Government of additional funding to support the roll out of 46 new electric buses in Scotland.
“This major investment will also provide a boost for Scotland’s world-leading bus manufacturing sector, helping to protect and grow jobs in Scotland. As major investment is made in zero and low-emission buses, it also enables us to build further on developing in skills and training for our engineering teams to maintain the new greener fleet as we transition to new zero-emission technologies.
“As Scotland gears up to host the COP 26 climate change summit in November, it’s a crucial time for us all to think about how we can help deliver a greener recovery from Covid-19. Major investment in new zero-emission buses also needs to be matched by better road infrastructure and more bus priority measures to help encourage people to make the switch from car to sustainable public transport.”
