GREENOCK Bus Operator Takes Next Step In Electric Bus Revolution

15 June, 2021 | Business

WORK to get three McGill’s Buses depots ready for the arrival of zero-emission electric vehicles has started.

New infrastructure is being installed by Zenobē to fully electrify the Greenock company’s bases in Johnstone, Inchinnan and Dundee.

Zenobē is the UK’s leading independent owner and operator of battery storage, which powers 20 per cent of the electric bus market in the UK.

The project will be completed ahead of the delivery of 68 electric vehicles to McGill’s following a £32.5million investment partly funded by the Scottish Government’s Scottish Ultra Low Emissions Bus Scheme (SULEB).

The buses will be delivered in the autumn and will see the McGill’s Group operate the largest electric fleet in Scotland as the major COP26 climate conference gets underway in Glasgow in November.

From left, chief executive Ralph Roberts, and owners Sandy and James Easdale

McGill’s took the decision to electrify three depots to widen the benefit of zero emission buses to more customers and communities.

James Easdale, chairman of McGill’s Group, said: “We firmly believe the new electric fleet will entice more people to leave their car keys at home and switch to the bus.

“Electric buses bring a new level of passenger experience, including air conditioning and USB charging, coupled with a whisper-quiet journey.

“It’s an exciting time for McGill’s as we continue to invest and grow the business even further.”

Sandy Easdale, co-owner of McGill’s Group, added: “We led the way in introducing clean diesel Euro VI fleet and by the end of 2021, the McGill’s Group will operate more electric buses than any other company in Scotland.

“We are fully committed to playing our part in creating a clean and sustainable public transport system and we’re delighted to work with suppliers such as Zenobe, and the Scottish Government, to make this happen.”

Owners James and Sandy Easdale

Cabinet secretary for net zero, energy and transport Michael Matheson said: “I warmly welcome the work to install charging infrastructure across McGill’s depots. It’s fantastic to know that electric buses will be running in Glasgow ahead of COP26.

“Choosing bus has always been a positive choice for our environment and a bus with no emissions at the tailpipe is even better. That’s why we’re supporting bus operators, including McGill’s, through our Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme to help operators take climate action and realise their ambitions for a zero-emission bus fleet.

“By continuing to work in partnership through our Bus Decarbonisation Task Force, we can get electrically-powered buses into our communities faster –- improving air quality, making electric transport available to all and supporting Scotland’s world leading target of net zero by 2045.”

Ralph Roberts, chief executive of McGill’s Group, said: “The introduction of electric vehicles will lead to a huge reduction in CO2 emissions from our operations and McGill’s is excited to be leading the way with the largest electric fleet in Scotland operational by COP26 in November.

Transforming our depots to get ready for these new buses is a hugely important part of the jigsaw and we’re delighted to start that process with Zenobē Energy today.”

McGill’s Buses

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