By Stephen Bark
Copyright dailyrecord
More cleaner and greener transport options are now available in Ayrshire after Stagecoach launched a new fleet of electric buses. Following an official launch at the company’s Ardrossan depot, the fleet of 26 buses are set to begin service from this week. Launched on World Car Free Day, the vehicles will begin operations on the popular 11 service which connects North and East Ayrshire between Ardrossan and Kilmarnock . Stagecoach has invested over £18million to introduce the new double-decker buses. In total, the company now has 92 electric vehicles serving the people of Ayrshire as part of a “significant drive” to bring sustainable transport to the area. The electric vehicles launched today are Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV which is a next-generation battery-electric double-decker bus designed for both urban and interurban routes. Stagecoach say that the extended range allows them to connect smaller villages with larger towns, “significantly enhancing connectivity across communities while making significant progress in reducing emissions and improving air quality”. New electric chargers have also been introduced at the Ardrossan depot and the company has also added additional chargers at Kilmarnock bus station and its Kilmarnock depot. Fiona Doherty, Stagecoach West Scotland managing director, said: “We are excited to launch our fleet of electric double decker buses and new charging infrastructure in Ardrossan today. “Our ongoing multimillion-pound investment will decarbonise our fleet while bringing state-of-the-art bus travel to our customers across Ayrshire. “It is also World Car Free Day today and as we invest in a new EV fleet to bring more sustainable public transport, we would encourage everyone to leave their cars at home and give our new buses a go. “We know that every car left at home and swapped for bus journeys does deliver a large carbon saving.” Marie Connell, national account manager for Alexander Dennis, said: “We’re proud to support Stagecoach West Scotland in delivering cleaner, quieter and more sustainable transport for communities across Ayrshire. “The introduction of our next-generation Enviro400EV electric double deckers on route 11 marks a significant step forward in the transition to zero-emission mobility, and we’re delighted to see these Scottish-built buses making a real difference on such a vital corridor between Kilmarnock and Ardrossan.” Don’t miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
