Stagecoach Highlands announces official launch of UKs first fully-electric city bus network in Inverness
A BUS operator as announced the official date for the launch of its fully-electric fleet in Inverness, which is set to become its first fully-electric city bus network in the UK.
The zero-emission buses have started to roll out on the roads for route testing in the Highland capital with 25 new buses expected to be operating on all city centre routes from February.
It comes as part of a £10.8m investment in public transport in Inverness .
Stagecoach Highlands managing director, David Beaton, said: “This investment is part of our commitment to improving public transport in Inverness and the Highlands. Although we are facing unprecedented challenges as an industry, we are working hard alongside the local authority and the Scottish Government to achieve a greener, more sustainable future.”
The investment in public transport has been supported by the Scottish Government’s Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB).
The zero-emission Yutong E10 buses will be providing links to retail, entertainment and leisure developments, Raigmore Hospital and various education establishments.
A Stagecoach spokesperson said that between 2021 and 2022 the company helped customers across the UK avoid nearly 20,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by providing them with more sustainable travel options than cars.
A further 159 new electric buses are planned to be introduced in 2023, including those in Inverness.
