Local bus operator First Glasgow went all out to launch their fleet of 75 new buses for the city of Glasgow in October 2018, with the promise of more to follow.
The city’s largest bus operator, which carries around 1.6 million passengers per day across the whole UK, unveiled the first of their new state-of-the-art vehicles in a unique yellow and purple livery. They then turned the first one off the production line into the world’s largest model bus display.
The 20-foot high structure certainly captured the imagination of the passing public at the iconic Glasgow location with a day of entertainment and laughs hosted by Capital Scotland and breakfast host Des Clarke with live music from Busker Tommy McGuire and Radiophonic Tuckshop frontman Joe Kane.
The new eco-friendly buses represent a £14 million investment in First Buses’ new fleet, built in Falkirk by Alexander Dennis Limited. The 75 new low emissions vehicles entered into service in time for the new city-wide Low Emissions Zone which came into effect from December, which was praised by City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, Councillor Anna Richardson: “The bus industry has worked closely with the council to ensure delivery of the first phase of the LEZ and I was delighted to hear of the investment First Glasgow has made to its fleet in advance of its implementation.”
First Glasgow Managing Director Andrew Jarvis said: “We are happy to say that this new investment means we will be fully compliant with phase one of the Glasgow Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) Traffic Regulation Condition. We now look forward to working in close partnership with Glasgow City Council to not only deliver the next phase of the process, but also to improve bus services and help make public transport more attractive to more people in Glasgow.”
The new Double Decker MMC 400 buses offer an improved customer experience with USB charging points, comfortable e-leather seating and free WIFI, which will encourage customers to forego taking cars and instead choose a more comfortable, environmentally friendly mode of transport. This is in tandem with the peace of mind that they offer by being fitted with the latest Euro VI diesel particle filter and start/stop engine technology for a more eco-friendly journey.
Of course, like all of the vehicles across the entire First UK Bus network, customers can now pay on bus, by contactless, mobile ticketing or smartcard payment types. The First Bus planner app also gives customers the opportunity to plan their journeys in advance for any bus or train service in the UK with real-time data, meaning it really has never been easier to use the bus.
First Glasgow are now pledging to continue to improve their offerings throughout their Glasgow network and are keen to work in close partnership with Glasgow City Council to deliver a better bus service for the city.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:
“Bus services play an important part in our transport system and the Scottish Government is working in partnership with operators to improve the environment and air quality in our towns and cities with greener fleets. It is very encouraging to see the introduction of these new buses in Glasgow.
