The bus – launched in November 2013 by Minister for Transport and Veterans Keith Brown MSP – links the ferry ports at Cairnryan to the railway station in Stranraer.
It was part-funded through the Scottish Government’s Green Bus Fund and is supported by the Regional Transport Partnership SWestrans.
Optare electric buses have zero tailpipe emissions and reduce well to wheel carbon footprint by over 50% compared with equivalent diesels.
Operating and maintenance costs are also significantly lower than equivalent diesel engine buses, according to Optare, which cites recent independent tests that proved the Optare electric bus is one of the most efficient in service.
“We’ve had some really positive feedback from customers using the bus, who are impressed by its environmental credentials and how quiet and smooth the vehicle is in service,” comments William McLean, owner of McLeans of Stranraer.