LOCAL MSP Stuart McMillan visited McGill’s Greenock depot following the launch of their new Inverclyde zero emission electric bus fleet.
McGill’s have invested £6.6million to bring 14 zero emission vehicles to local routes across Port Glasgow and Greenock having trialled the technology in Paisley and Inchinnan first.
Stuart said: “This huge investment will help green public transport in Inverclyde and has been part-funded by two awards to McGill’s totalling almost £10million from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme, and a further almost £10million through the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund.
“To support the roll-out of their zero emission fleet, McGill’s have adapted the Greenock depot to install the supporting charging infrastructure which will also help future-proof the technology.
“These buses are part of McGill’s efforts to become carbon neutral by 2030, but they also offer customers a better passenger experience as they’re comfortable, are better ventilated and heated, and there’s a significant reduction in noise.”
He added: “There are also new features that make operating them more enjoyable for drivers, making them popular with the current workforce. I’m sure this investment will also attract new employees to the company.
“I want to thank McGill’s for their continued investment in Inverclyde and for their commitment to making our public transport more environmentally friendly.
“Thanks to the Scottish Government, more than a third of the population are eligible for free bus travel.
“The Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme in particular has led to an uptake in under-22s using bus services and this major investment from McGill’s supports such expansions to concessionary travel and is helping more people get out of their cars and onto public transport.”
