Stagecoach Group plans to spend £80 million on more than 350 buses to improve the Perth-based company’s green credentials.
The transport firm said the investment would tackle the twin challenges of car congestion and air quality.
The new fleet of 351 cleaner, greener vehicles will be introduced in the firm’s upcoming 2019-20 financial year.
They will be introduced in Stagecoach’s regional services in England, Scotland and Wales as well as the company’s megabus.com network in the UK.
The planned orders include 48 electric buses which are being part-funded by the UK Government’s Green Bus Fund and will go into service in Manchester and South Wales.
Nearly all of the new vehicles meet the Government’s low carbon emission bus specification, with a mixture of electric vehicle technology and the latest Euro 6 emissions standard engines.
Stagecoach Group chief executive Martin Griffiths said: “This is a huge investment by the private sector in providing better mobility and better air quality in local communities.
“It follows other significant investment that we’ve made in smart ticketing, improved information for customers and digital technology.
“Delivering better bus services is a shared responsibility and it is absolutely essential that this commitment is matched by urgent action by local authorities to address the growing gridlock in our towns and cities.
“Without action on congestion, local people will not enjoy the full benefits of this investment and people’s quality of life, health and our economy will continue to be damaged by too many cars on the road.”
Most of the new vehicles are set to be built in the UK.
Around three quarters of the new vehicles will be fitted with audio visual display systems which provide next-stop information.
Each of the new vehicles will also be fitted with CCTV and USB charging points. Most will also have wi-fi installed, giving customers free internet access during their journeys.
The new vehicles are expected to go into service this year.
rmclaren@thecourier.co.uk
