New eco-friendly bus in the southside

A NEW hi-tech, fuel efficient single-decker bus will transport residents from East Renfrewshire to Silverburn or Shawlands.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jul 2011, 15:51 BST

The 374 service run by Colchri Ltd, based in Renfrew, will take passengers from Silverburn along Kennishead Place and into Carnwadric, Thornliebank, Rouken Glen Road, Woodfarm, Orchard Park Avenue, Giffnock to Eastwood Toll.

From there, it heads along Eastwoodmains Road to Clarkston shopping centre and the Stamperland shops then on to Muirend, Old Cathcart, Merrylee Road, Friarton Road, Ashmore Road and Newlands Road.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It will then travel along Holmlea Road, Battlefield, Langside Ave to Minard Road in Shawlands.

Two buses will work the route and both are powered by hybrid drive engines with the most up to date, fuel efficient specifications.

Colchri director Anthony Morrin said: “We have an excellent nine-year working relationship with SPT and we are pleased to be the first in Scotland to be selected to provide a substantial commitment through this new hybrid drive vehicle”.

Jonathan Findlay, SPT chairman, said: “We are proud to lead the way for hybrid bus technology with the support of the Scottish government’s Green Bus Fund.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“These buses are technically advanced, super efficient and give great fuel consumption”.

East Renfrewshire council’s environment convener Eddie Phillips added: “Many people, who have been dissatisfied with the level of public transport to take them to other parts of the area, will now have a better travel service.

“These hybrid drive engines give out reduced exhaust emissions and therefore have a very low environmental impact. They are also fuel economic so they get my vote”.

The 374 service was previously a fully subsidised service but it now comes under a new SPT network enhancement grant scheme.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This will guarantee the operation of this service for a minimum of four years.

The Scottish government green bus fund paid the cost of the hybrid drive element of these two new diesel buses.

Under the network enhancement grant scheme, SPT paid the normal cost, £207,000, of the vehicles.

Timetable and fare details are available on www.spt.co.uk/wmslib/Bus/service374.

Related topics:East Renfrewshire