Scotland plugs in to first all-electric bus service27 November 2013

The first all-electric bus service has been launched in Scotland, using an Optare Solo SR battery-powered vehicle.

The number of Optare electric buses in the UK is now approaching 50, with others in Nottingham and York.

As well as lower running costs, Optare says its electric buses' reliability and lower maintenance costs make them commercially viable for a range of operations.

The 27-seater bus for Scotland was part-funded through the Scottish government's Green Bus Fund and is supported by the Regional Transport Partnership SWestrans.

The service was launched in Ayr last week by Scottish transport minister Keith Brown. It links the ferry ports at Cairnryan to the railway station in Stranraer, and operates six days a week.

Speaking at the launch, the minister said the service would form "a vital link in Scotland's transport network".

He continued: "This is the first all-electric bus to be purchased through the Scottish Green Bus Fund and I recently announced a further round of Green Bus funding in 2013/14, with a budget of around £2 million, which reaffirms our commitment to the bus industry."

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Optare plc

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