Dundee bus operator National Express has invested £2.8 million to launch a string of hybrid vehicles in its local fleet, significantly reducing carbon emissions and saving on fuel expenditure.
Announcing the nine new vehicles, part-funded by the Scottish Government’s Green Bus Fund and Dundee City Council, the company said its new convoy will be capable of reducing CO2 emissions by as much as 30%.
National Express Dundee managing director Phil Smith expects to take delivery of the vivid green buses from Falkirk-based manufacturer Alexander Dennis in around one month.
The Scottish-built, state-of-the-art double-deckers will then be put to work for the Tayside Public Transport Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Express Group, to operate throughout its Dundee bus network.
Although the final routes of the buses are yet to be confirmed, they are expected to operate mainly on Service 5 to maximise environmental benefits in the heart of the city.
Air quality surveys have shown several parts of Dundee fall below expected standards.
“We are really looking forward to sharing these brand new hybrid buses with the people of Dundee next month,” Mr Smith said.
“They are a significant investmentnot only in the city’s network but also in the wider local environment.
“I’m certain our customers will enjoy the experience of travelling in our green buses, carrying the very latest in on-board technology.
“Moreover, we’ll all benefit from cleaner air as we’ll be reducing our carbon footprint by a significant 30%.”
Mr Smith said the hybrid buses would also help to offset bus industry inflation, caused by rising fuel costs and driver wages which sits at around 4.9% typically double that of any increase in ticket price rises the company has passed on to its passengers over recent months.
The vehicles are also expected to deliver a significant saving on fuel for National Express, which spends around 20% of its annual £15m turnover on petrol and diesel to fuel its vehicles.
The buses are also equipped with audio-visual next-stop announcements, GPS tracking and smartcard technology.
The second phase of the Scottish Government’s Green Bus Fund awarded five companies in Scotland grants totalling just under £1.8m to help buy environmentally friendly hybrid buses.
A total of 26 buses are expected to be bought throughout Scotland using the cash.
Last year, the first tranche of funding assisted with the purchase 48 vehicles.
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