Stagecoach has launched six Volvo BZL electric buses on its JET747 service, connecting Fife with Edinburgh Airport. The new electric bus route will run every day of the week to ferry passengers to the airport.
As Edinburgh News specifies, the new bus route “runs via Halbeath Park & Ride, Inverkeithing rail station and Ferrytoll Park & Ride,” and includes rebates for elderly and younger passengers, specifically for those under 22 years of age, or over 60.
“The introduction of the new electric JET747 fleet is a significant milestone on our journey to Net Zero. These state-of-the-art Volvo buses will provide passengers with quieter, cleaner and more comfortable journeys, while helping to deliver a more sustainable future for Scotland’s transport system,” said David Frenz, interim managing director, Stagecoach East Scotland, adding: “We’re delighted to launch a fully electric fleet of six vehicles to our direct and regular bus service into Edinburgh Airport.”
Funding for the new bus fleet was supported by the Scottish Government’s ScotZEB 2 fund, which is designed to accelerate the shift to zero-emission public transport across the country. The scheme provides funding to support the purchase of battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses, alongside the essential charging infrastructure required to operate them
The JET747 is not the only electric bus service serving Edinburgh’s airport, as the JET787 service operates from St Andrews to Edinburgh Airport, following its launch in May this year.
Stagecoach also recently announced plans for its first exclusively electric fleet and depot in the town of Stockton-on-Tees. The company has been operating electric buses for some years now; however, always in addition to petrol and diesel fleets. This is starting to change. Other charging depots are also being built, for example, with Vitol subsidiary VIV, which is building four bus hubs for Stagecoach.
edinburghnews.scotsman.com, busandcoachbuyer.com, fifetoday.co.uk
