First Glasgow receives first new electric buses
First Glasgow has received the first of 50 new electric buses for its Scotstoun depot.
The 50 new BYD-AD Enviro200EVs single-deckers are fitted with lithium iron phosphate batteries boasting a range of over 370km on a single, three-hour charge. The delivery has been supported by Transport Scotland through its Scottish Zero Emission Bus (ScotZEB) funding. They are now due out in service.
The operator’s fleet will soon have over 200 emission free vehicles, following this latest delivery.
Delivery of the new electric buses follows significant works at the depot to fit infrastructure, including the installation of 27 dual headed rapid charging points.
“We’re looking forward to hearing feedback from our customers as we continue our investment into greener travel” – Duncan Cameron, Managing Director at First Bus Scotland
Duncan Cameron, Managing Director at First Bus Scotland, said: “The arrival of these buses marks the latest in our series of steps to decarbonise our operations as we aim to be emission free by 2035.
“We are incredibly proud to bring more sustainable travel to Glasgow, and I’m sure it will encourage even more people to leave their cars behind in favour of environmentally conscious bus travel that will help to reduce congestion and improve air quality in our city.
“We’re looking forward to hearing feedback from our customers as we continue our investment into greener travel.”
Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop with First Bus Scotland MD, Duncan Cameron
“The bus is currently one of the most climate friendly transport choices the public can make” – Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop MSP
Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop MSP, said: “I was delighted to visit the First Bus depot as one of my first engagements in my new post and see these new electric buses for myself.
“The bus is currently one of the most climate friendly transport choices the public can make, and the Scottish Government is committed to decarbonising the full fleet as we encourage more people to leave their cars at home and choose more sustainable ways to travel.
“Earlier this year we launched the second phase of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund, with up to £58 million available, and it’s both exciting and encouraging to see the industry rising to the challenge and working with us to tackle the global climate emergency.”
More electric vehicles will also be joining First Bus’s operations further afield, with First Aberdeen depot expected to receive 24 new electric vehicles this summer.