This week, students and representatives from both First Bus and Robert Gordon University (RGU) gathered on the university campus to celebrate the arrival of a new fleet of electric buses. Forming part of First Bus’s substantial £12.7 million investment into Aberdeen, it aims to enhance the city’s sustainable transport options.
The new vehicles are now out on service on routes 1 and 2, ensuring that students and other members of the public can enjoy cleaner and greener journeys while supporting sustainable transportation with reduced air pollution and carbon emissions.
This major investment was used to fund a fleet of 36 electric buses, comprising 24 state-of-the-art WrightBus double deckers and 12 repower buses – traditional internal combustion engine buses converted to electric. The arrival of the fleet makes the proportion of zero-emission vehicles in First Bus’s Aberdeen fleet one of the highest in the UK.
With both routes servicing Robert Gordon University, students shared their thoughts with the First Bus team during a meeting on campus, outlining what it means to them to be able to choose sustainable transport as their means of travelling around the city and to university.
Heather McCole, Architecture Masters student at Robert Gordon University, said: “I’m in my final year studying my Masters at RGU and it’s great to see the electric buses coming in to get students to and from the uni. I get the bus multiple days a week for classes, so I think it’s a hugely positive move for everyone in the city. The focus of my degree is on architecture and sustainability so the environmental impact of everything is at the forefront of the choices I make.”
The initiative is part of an over £100 million investment announced by First Bus across the UK for 2024/25, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and a greener future. The new vehicle investment also solidifies First Bus dedication to achieving a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035, in line with the commitments outlined during COP26.
David Adam, Operations Manager at First Aberdeen, expressed his enthusiasm for the positive impact these buses will have: “Educating the next generation on the importance of sustainability will continue to be key to achieving the progress needed to make a difference and it was fantastic to hear from students firsthand about their drive and passion to protect the planet.
“This £12.7 million investment in new electric buses will not just help improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions for the city but also aligns with our goal to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035, with these buses acting as a crucial step towards that goal.”
