Big changes are rolling into Aberdeen as First Bus invests £12.7 million to bring 36 electric buses to the city. This is part of the company’s massive £100m green commitment across the UK for 2024/25. The aim? Cleaner air, quieter streets and a bold step towards a zero-emission future.
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| First Bus |
The new fleet will feature 24 state-of-the-art Wrightbus double-deckers (your classic double-decker, but make it electric) and 12 repowered buses. Not familiar with repowers? They’re essentially diesel buses transformed into electric ones, giving old workhorses a shiny, green makeover.
First Bus has teamed up with Robert Gordon University (RGU) for the launch, as students are set to be some of the biggest beneficiaries. Routes 1 and 2, which serve RGU’s Garthdee campus and the city centre, will soon be fully electric, offering greener and quieter journeys.
The buses are expected to hit the roads in early 2025, helping First Bus inch closer to its COP26 pledge of a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035. With these new additions, Aberdeen’s fleet will boast one of the highest proportions of zero-emission vehicles in the UK.
Duncan Cameron, Managing Director at First Bus Scotland, highlighted the significance of the investment:
“This £12.7 million investment in new electric buses is a game-changer for Aberdeen. It not only aligns with our green ambitions but also underscores our commitment to providing more sustainable and comfortable transportation options for the city.
“It was a pleasure to meet with students from Robert Gordon University to discuss the impact the new buses will have on the university and hear firsthand their passion for sustainability. By significantly increasing the number of zero-emission buses in our fleet, we are taking bold steps to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions, making Aberdeen a cleaner and healthier place to live.”
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| First Bus |
In simple terms, zero-emission buses don’t produce any harmful exhaust gases. That’s a win for the planet and for anyone stuck behind a bus at traffic lights. Plus, electric buses are whisper-quiet, so say goodbye to the roaring engine noise of traditional diesel models.
These new buses come with fast-charging capabilities too. They can go from 15% to 80% charge in just 30 minutes, meaning more time on the road and less in the depot.
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| First Bus |
Since COP26, First Bus has been leading the charge in sustainable transport. Their Caledonia depot in Glasgow is now the UK’s largest electric bus charging hub, capable of powering up 150 buses simultaneously.
RGU is equally committed to sustainability. Bill Sommerville, Director of Estates and Property Services, said:
“RGU is pleased to be partnering with First Bus on the launch of their new EV buses that will both reduce commuting transport emissions in the city and provide our staff and students with a stress-free sustainable commute.
“We take great pride in our nature positive campus and actively encourage sustainable travel to improve our efforts in meeting our collective net zero targets. This includes not only encouraging the use of public transport for both commuting and business purposes but also encouraging the use of our own EV fleet where this is not possible.
“It is encouraging to partner with a like-minded local organisation who is also committed to reaching net zero emissions for the city and we are delighted that these new vehicles’ primary route will be to and from our Garthdee campus.”
Wrightbus, the manufacturer of the new electric double-deckers, is thrilled to be part of Aberdeen’s green transformation. CEO Jean-Marc Gales said:
“Public transport is at the forefront of the green revolution and these buses for Aberdeen will instantly remove harmful emissions from the city.
“Our zero-emission buses have gained a global following, with exports to Asia, Australia and Europe, and this investment by First Bus demonstrates their continued commitment to sustainable transport solutions.”
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| First Bus |
For Aberdeen’s commuters, this means smoother, quieter and cleaner journeys. For the city itself, it’s another step towards a sustainable future, proving that even the daily commute can help combat climate change.
First Bus isn’t just electrifying its fleet—it’s electrifying its vision for public transport. Aberdeen, your cleaner, greener journey is already on its way.
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