First Bus is set to invest £12.7 million into the city of Aberdeen with a new fleet of 36 electric buses.
Forming part of the over £100m investment announced by First Bus across the UK for 2024/25, the new fleet will consist of 24 state-of-the-art WrightBus double deckers and 12 repowers – which are traditional internal combustion engine buses converted to electric buses.
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First Bus has partnered with Robert Gordon University to announce the investment, recognising that the university’s students will be the primary beneficiaries of the new buses. The new vehicles will be deployed on routes 1 and 2, ensuring that students can enjoy cleaner and greener journeys.
Set to join the Aberdeen fleet from the beginning of 2025, the new vehicle investment solidifies First Bus’s dedication to achieving a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035, in line with COP26 commitments and underlines the company’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable future.
Upon their arrival, the addition of the new buses will make the proportion of zero-emission vehicles in First Bus’s Aberdeen fleet one of the highest in the UK.
Duncan Cameron, Managing Director at First Bus Scotland, said 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.”
This initiative is part of First Bus’s broader commitment to the principles and targets it set out during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2021.
Since COP26, First Bus has made significant strides towards its goals, including the transformation of the Caledonia depot in Glasgow into the UK’s largest electric vehicle charging hub, capable of charging 150 electric buses simultaneously. Additionally, First Bus has been instrumental in expanding its electric bus fleet across the UK, working closely with local authorities and benefiting from government co-funding.
Bill Sommerville, Director of Estates and Property Services, Robert Gordon University (RGU), 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.”
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO at WrightBus, added: “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.”
