Service 38 launch kicks off phase two of low emissions vehicle rollout

The second phase of new vehicles being launched by the city’s largest bus operator, worth over £16 million, will take the total invested to over £30 million since October 2018.

This included a £400k of investment from the Green Bus Fund and Transport Scotland, this follows on from more than £14million invested in 2018 by the local bus operator, and highlights First Glasgow’s commitment to improving the quality of offering to its customers whilst at the same time playing its role in improving air quality in the city.

And there is much more to come as First Glasgow has four more routes to rollout over the coming months as they continue their improvement of local services across the city and surrounding areas.

Cllr Anna Richardson, Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction at Glasgow City Council said: “Through partnership working, we’ve taken great strides to improve Glasgow’s air quality, knowing it can be a significant factor in local health inequalities, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable in our society.

“Our pioneering Low Emission Zone – the first ever in Scotland, will improve air quality and deliver better health outcomes for the people of Glasgow as well as improving the amenity of our city centre, making it a safer and cleaner place to be.

“It’s heartening to know that these brand-new vehicles, which meet the strict emission standards required by Glasgow’s LEZ, will soon be operating in our city centre and beyond.

“We worked closely with the bus operators to bring in the LEZ last year as planned and we’ll continue to work in partnership to improve services that are vital to the lives of Glaswegians.

Graeme Macfarlan, commercial director for First Glasgow, adds: “We are committed to working with Glasgow City Council, Transport Scotland and the Cabinet Minister to improve the city’s bus services.

“The bus is very much part of the solution when it comes to reducing emissions on our already congested roads as one full low emission bus can take up to 75 cars off the road.

“By deploying our new Euro VI technology vehicles that offer more comfort and are eco-friendlier we are headed in the right direction, but I know that a lot more can be achieved with strong working partnerships as we look to make public transport a more attractive alternative to the car for more people.

“These new vehicles not only represent a significant investment in new fleet, but they represent a vast improvement in on-board standards with more comfortable seating, free WIFI and USB charging points aimed at giving customers a better experience. There really has never been a better time to try the bus.