National bus operator Stagecoach has announced that it will be making a ‘multi-million pound investment’ in 200 new low-emission double decker buses, which it plans to deploy across the country during 2023.
The company claims this is the largest single order placed within the UK bus industry this year, with deliveries beginning from March 2023. Some of the named areas set to receive new buses include Torquay, Newcastle and Portsmouth.
The new buses will be manufactured in the UK by Alexander Dennis and will reportedly feature Euro VI engines, which Stagecoach claims are significantly cleaner, to support its environmental ambitions.
Part of this investment includes removing older buses from its fleet to support improved air quality in the areas in which it operates.
Stagecoach has a target of zero emissions for its UK bus fleet by 2035.
Sam Greer, regional director for Stagecoach, said: “We are proud of the continued investment we are making to our fleet with the largest single order for new buses in the UK this year.
“This really shows our commitment to the future prosperity of our communities and to our people who can all benefit from cleaner transport and a growing bus sector.
“These new double decker buses will complement the investment we are already making with our electric buses to modernise our fleet in some of Britain’s major towns and cities, enabling reduced pollution and meaning customers will see more comfortable, quieter and newer vehicles on their everyday journeys.”
In Scotland, Stagecoach has likewise announced plans to introduce the UK’s first all-electric city bus networks in Inverness and Perth, which is expected to include a fleet of 38 new e-buses to support cleaner air in the two cities.
