Lothin Buses carries more than 120 million customers annually across its fleet of nearly 800 buses and despite this busy service, its duty to the environment has continuously been a high priority – even before Scottish Government and council targets to combat climate change became ever more ambitious.
Since 2011, the company has seen substantial emission reductions through the purchase of more than 300 vehicles and the disposal of older vehicles through its Bus2020 strategy, at an investment of over £78 million.
Environmental Officer Claire McVicar said: “This year has seen the introduction of our new Enviro400XLB tri-axle buses which have the capability of taking 100 cars off the road.
“We have also successfully won BEAR Phase 2 funding which will allow us to upgrade the exhausts on 36 buses, some of which will be partially funded by Lothian.”
“But the aim of improving our fleet stretches back long before this year. Two years ago, we took a huge step forward with the introduction of new zero emission electric buses.
“As a result of these decisions, we now operate one of the greenest and youngest bus fleets in the UK, delivering a sustainable public transport service and one that makes a valuable contribution to improving Edinburgh’s air quality.”
With more than four million visitors expected to visit Edinburgh this year, Lothian knows that its contribution to improving air quality is becoming even more important.
Thousands of those tourists will use tour buses to see the sights of the city and Edinburgh Bus Tours, part of the Lothian group, holds the highest recognition for Green Tourism best practice, receiving and then maintaining its gold award status since 2016.
Claire added: “More and more often, our population are re-evaluating their decisions with regards to the environment, especially when it comes to travel. Whether it’s a daily commute, or weekly trips out with friends and family, it is already clear that alternatives to picking up keys and jumping in the car have to be considered.
“The Scottish Government has set out its climate change targets, and it’s up to us in the bus industry to do as much as we can to meet and exceed these goals.
“The bus industry has a massive role to play in not just raising awareness but also in implementing new technologies to adapt to polices such as Low Emission Zones.
“In doing so, we firmly believe buses are the greener choice for Scotland – and can play a small part in helping our planet too.”
For more information please visit our site www.lothianbuses.com
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