Stagecoach has introduced two New Routemasters into service in Dundee.
The vehicles went on trial on Tuesday, November 4, on the Tayway 73 route which operates between Dundee and Arbroath.
The two new vehicles are on loan to Stagecoach from London, where they are being rolled out across various routes in the city.
Stagecoach Chairman Sir Brian Souter, who is driving one of the buses as part of the testing, said: “We had an opportunity to take these two vehicles on trial for a short period and we are using this to specifically evaluate the various alternative power options available in the bus market. Technology that makes buses an even greener choice of transport over the car is advancing rapidly and Stagecoach has been at the forefront of investing in new hybrid electric vehicles in the UK.”
Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director, Stagecoach East Scotland said: “We’re looking forward to testing this new hybrid technology and the red livery of the buses will definitely stand out in Dundee. More importantly, it’s about what’s under the bonnet and we’ll be analysing the fuel consumption of the hybrids on the route over the next few months.”
The two vehicles are expected to be in service in Dundee for around three months as Stagecoach tests the hybrid technology that is used to power them. The analysis will include looking at the fuel consumption and reliability of the vehicles as well as the feedback from drivers and customers.
