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.
The university’s students will be the primary beneficiaries of the new buses, with the new vehicles being deployed on routes 1 and 2, ensuring that students can enjoy cleaner and greener journeys.
The new vehicles will join the Aberdeen fleet from the beginning of 2025. The 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.
“This £12.7 million investment in new electric buses is a game-changer for Aberdeen” said Duncan Cameron, Managing Director at First Bus Scotland. “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.
“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” added Bill Sommerville, Director of Estates and Property Services, Robert Gordon University (RGU). “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.”
Image: Duncan Cameron, First Bus, Bill Sommerville, Robert Gordon University and students
For additional information:
