First Bus Glasgow bus depot delivered first of new electric vehicles

The new vehicles will be seen out in service around Glasgow and beyond from today and are set to save more than 3,000 tonnes of CO2e per year as they replace older diesel buses.

The transport company's fleet will soon have over 200 emission-free vehicles, following the delivery of the first new electric buses to the operator’s Scotstoun depot.

The bus depot based on South Street had significant work completed to install the necessary infrastructure and 27 dual-headed rapid charging points.

First Bus Scotland will have 50 electric buses operating from its Scotstoun depot (Image: First Bus)

The 50 new electric vehicles are fitted with market-leading lithium iron phosphate batteries boasting a range of over 370km on a single, three-hour charge.

As well as providing an environmentally friendly way to travel around the city, passengers will also benefit from greater levels of comfort with the new buses, with lower noise levels and full air conditioning fitted throughout.

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 and First Bus Scotland MD Duncan Cameron at the launch of electrified Scotstoun Depot (Image: Newsquest)

The delivery has been supported by Transport Scotland through its Scottish Zero Emission Bus (ScotZEB) funding, a challenge fund to support the industry’s swift transition to zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure.

Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop and First Bus Scotland MD Duncan Cameron at Scotstoun Depot (Image: First Bus)

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.”