We recently brought you the news that Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, has partnered with leading bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis (ADL), to provide a fleet of new electric double-decker buses to transport the world leaders and their entourages attending COP26 climate change conference. Stagecoach will also be introducing 46 new fully electric buses in key transport networks this year.
The new zero-emissions buses will be used across Scotland in Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Perth as part of the Government’s Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme.
During the summer, it launched six new electric buses serving rural communities across the west of Scotland in partnership with SP Energy Networks. Stagecoach has also made one of the biggest single investments in electric vehicles in Europe with its double-decker fleet in Manchester.
Stagecoach is targeting a zero-emissions UK bus fleet by 2035 as part of a commitment to become net zero by 2050. It has joined the United Nations-backed Race to Zero initiative and is committed to playing its part in keeping global warming to 1.5°C in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach chief executive, said: “We are proud to be playing an important part in COP26 and we are delighted world leaders have chosen greener bus travel, which is central to meeting global climate ambitions.
“Stagecoach is investing hundreds of millions of pounds in new clean electric and other zero emissions buses, but one of the biggest positive changes people can make individually in addressing the climate emergency is by switching from cars to more sustainable public transport, cycling and walking.”
Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis president and managing director, said: “COP26 is focused on finding solutions to the climate emergency and we are proud to be able to demonstrate a zero emission solution that is available right now.
“Clean electric buses such as the ones we’re building for Stagecoach are key to reducing transport emissions around the globe and encouraging modal shift to sustainable transport modes.”
Louise Cheeseman, TfL’s director of buses, said: “Our investment in clean buses has delivered more than 550 zero-emission buses in London and is helping drive forward the agenda for greener buses and create green jobs across the rest of the UK.
“As those at COP26 will see, these zero-emission buses are efficient and comfortable as well as being environmentally friendly, and will play a part in making our whole fleet of 9,000 buses carbon-free.”
