Stagecoach launch UK's newest fully-electric city bus network in Dunfermline

Stagecoach celebrated the launch of the UK's newest fully-electric city bus network in Dunfermline on Wednesday 15^th March, where they were joined by Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman.

• Part of a £14.091M investment in public transport in East Scotland
• 11 new zero-emission buses will operate on all city centre routes
• 159 new electric buses are planned to be introduced across the UK in 2023
  

Ten new BYD ADL Enviro200EV zero-emission buses and one BYD ADL Enviro400EV double-deck vehicle are now operating on all city centre routes. The vehicles can operate from morning to evening on a single daily charge and feature USB charging points at each seat, interior LED lights and contactless payment facilities. With no engine noise or vibration, passengers can look forward to a relaxing experience.

The vehicles are part of an £14.091M investment into public transport in East Scotland, which was supported by the Scottish Government’s Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB). Charging infrastructure was successfully installed at the Dunfermline depot ahead of the launch. Stagecoach use 100% renewable electricity across the business.

Stagecoach will launch another fully-electric city bus network in Perth later this month.

Douglas Robertson, Managing Director for Stagecoach East Scotland, said: “The launch of our fully-electric city bus network in Dunfermline is a proud moment for us. These fantastic new vehicles are further proof of our commitment to operating a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035, and ensure cleaner air for our city.”

Marie Connell, National Account Manager at Alexander Dennis, said: “We are delighted to continue to support Stagecoach as it rolls out another full-electric city bus network in Scotland using our zero-emission buses. Customers will love their smooth acceleration, air conditioning and comfortable Alexander Dennis SmartSeats, while drivers will benefit from a familiar vehicle. Thanks to the Scottish Government’s support through ScotZEB, these buses have helped to underpin skilled jobs and apprenticeships in the UK bus manufacturing industry.”

Between 2021 and 2022, Stagecoach helped customers across the UK avoid nearly 20,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by providing them with more sustainable travel, rather than taking the car.

Stagecoach is on target for a zero-emission UK bus fleet by 2035 and has introduced new electric buses across many parts of the country, including one of Europe’s biggest investments in e-buses in Manchester. A further 159 new electric buses will be introduced in 2023, including those in Dunfermline, bringing the total to 343.

The Scottish Government has set a legally binding target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. Transport has a critical role to play in the economy reaching net zero, as rising car use has resulted in a rise in carbon emissions from the sector.