- Bus operator launches new bus fleet for Glasgow
- Latest Euro VI technology vehicles
- Capital FM DJ Des Clarke hosts launch event
- First Glasgow and Glasgow City Council committed to working in partnership to improve the city’s bus services
- New buses mean; more ease, more comfort, more eco-friendly
Local bus operator First Glasgow went all out to launch their fleet of 75 new buses for the city of Glasgow, on 9 October, with the promise of more to follow.
The city’s largest bus operator, unveiled the first of their new state-of-the-art vehicles in a unique yellow and purple livery and turned the first one off the production line it into the world’s largest model bus display for all to see in George Square.
The 20-foot high structure certainly captured the imagination of the passing public at the iconic Glasgow location with a day of entertainment and laughs hosted by Capital Scotland and breakfast host Des Clarke with live music from Busker Tommy McGuire and Radiophonic Tuckshop frontman Joe Kane.
The first batch of new buses, which represents a £14 million investment in vehicles built by Falkirk-based Alexander Dennis Limited, will now go into service initially on the 75 route from Castlemilk to Milton from Wednesday (October 10th) with new buses to be launched onto other routes in the coming weeks and months. These 75 new low-emissions vehicles will enter into service in time for the new city-wide Low Emissions Zone coming into effect from December.
The new Double Decker MMC 400 buses offer an improved customer experience with USB charging points, comfortable e-leather seating and free WIFI, but they also offer peace of mind because they are fitted with the latest Euro VI diesel particle filter and start/stop engine technology to offer a more eco-friendly journey.*
Of course, like all of the vehicles across the entire First Bus network, customers can now pay on bus, by contactless, mobile ticketing or smartcard payment types. The First Bus planner app also gives customers the opportunity to plan their journeys in advance for any bus or train service in the UK with real-time data, meaning it really has never been easier to use the bus.
New buses. New ways to pay. New ways to travel and save. A new experience.
First Glasgow are now pledging to continue to improve their offerings throughout their Glasgow network and are keen to work in close partnership with Glasgow City Council to deliver a better bus service for the city.
First Glasgow Managing Director Andrew Jarvis said: “These new buses represent a significant investment for the city of Glasgow towards bus service improvements. We are delighted to launch these new buses into service from tomorrow (October 10th) on our 75 service from Castlemilk to Milton with other routes to follow.
“These new buses are just the start of wide-scale improvements we are making throughout the business to improve our services and provide a better standard for everyone in the city. I am proud to share these today with the people of Glasgow and hopefully even more people will now sample our new buses then see it as a real viable alternative to using the car.
“We are happy to say that this new investment means we will be fully compliant with phase one of the Glasgow Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) Traffic Regulation Condition. We now look forward to working in close partnership with Glasgow City Council to not only deliver the next phase of the process, but also to improve bus services and help make public transport more attractive to more people in Glasgow.”
Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convenor for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction said: “Delivering cleaner air is a priority for our city and I’m delighted that Glasgow will have in place Scotland’s first Low Emission Zone by the end of the year.
“Glasgow’s LEZ will reduce harmful vehicle emissions and make our vibrant city centre a safer and more pleasant place to be.
“The bus industry has worked closely with the council to ensure delivery of the first phase of the LEZ and I was delighted to hear of the investment First Glasgow has made to its fleet in advance of its implementation.
“Partnership working is key and we’ll continue to work together to improve services which are vital to the lives of Glaswegians."
“Whilst the first phase of Glasgow’s LEZ applies to local service buses only, we’re committed to improving air quality and by the end of 2022, the strict exhaust emission standards required to enter Glasgow’s LEZ will apply to all vehicles.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:
“Bus services play an important part in our transport system and the Scottish Government is working in partnership with operators to improve the environment and air quality in our towns and cities with greener fleets. It is very encouraging to see the introduction of these new buses in Glasgow.
“We are providing support for operators, including First Glasgow, to push beyond normal diesel to greener technologies through the Green Bus Fund and Bus Services Operators Grant, ensuring that buses continue to keep Scotland moving while addressing air quality issues and climate change.”