Stagecoach has confirmed it is planning to increase its electric bus fleet from 184 to 343 vehicles within the next year – an increase of 86%, as the company nears the launch of Britain’s first all-electric city networks.
It comes as the bus, coach and tram service provider, which operates in regions across England, Wales and Scotland, is set to roll out its first fully electrified network in Inverness and Perth in 2023 – the first stop on its roadmap to becoming entirely zero emission by 2035.
Stagecoach has recently introduced new electric buses across many parts of the UK, including one of Europe’s biggest investments in e-buses in Manchester.
The announcement comes with the company’s new report, Driving Net Zero: Better Places to Live and Work, which outlines the progress of its environmental strategy launched in 2021.
Measures include a package of capital investment in new cleaner buses, increased energy efficiency, and improvements and investment for Stagecoach employees and local communities.
Greg Ritt, Head of Sustainability at Stagecoach, said: “Despite the challenging macro-economic environment, and the specific pressures that are being faced in the public transport sector, Stagecoach is continuing to play a leading role in decarbonising the sector and we are working hard towards our target to become a net zero business by 2050.
“As well as the steps we are taking to decarbonise our own business, it is equally as important for national and local government and transport operators to work together to maximise the benefits of the bus to meet the country’s aspirations of a net zero future.”
