A GREENOCK-BASED bus operator is celebrating a key milestone as it hits a total of 10 million zero emission miles – the equivalent to 400 times around the globe.
McGill’s Buses boasts one of the largest fleets of electronic buses in Scotland.
The announcement has been made on National Clean Air Day – an event dedicated to highlighting the impact of air pollution on health and the environment.
The bus firm, owner by Sandy and James Easdale, has introduced more than 110 zero emission vehicles across its routes in Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.
McGill’s has also upgraded the infrastructure at four of its depots to facilitate the charging and maintenance of its electric fleet.
The £55 million investment in the zero emission buses and infrastructure places McGill’s among the top UK companies leading the way in fleet decarbonisation.
The company says reaching the 10 million milestone means the fleet has prevented 11,270 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
Sandy Easdale, director of McGill’s, said: “Most of Greenock’s local bus network is now delivered using our zero emission buses, whilst Paisley is now top of the electric bus chart in the UK, with 80 per cent of our fleet serving the town being electric.
“That compares to just 10 per cent of buses being electric in London which is a phenomenal milestone for our company.”
Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan recently visited the Greenock depot, where many of the electric buses are based.
McGill’s Group managing director Alex Hornby said: “Our dedicated teams have worked tirelessly to deploy and maintain our fleet of over 110 electric buses.
“Our efforts are helping Scotland on its quest towards achieving net zero, whilst also providing a quieter, more comfortable journey for our passengers and we were delighted to welcome Stuart McMillan MSP along to see how we are embarking on our zero-emission journey.”
Mr McMillan added: “I am grateful for the investment that McGill’s continue to make in their electric bus fleets and I am pleased to celebrate this milestone with them.
“Quality, zero emission public transport is great news for our region in not just reducing congestion and carbon emissions, but by giving local people access to jobs and education too.”
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