Stagecoach is planning to increase its electric bus fleet by more than 80% in the next 12 months.
The country’s biggest bus and coach operator has published a new report outlining progress made against the strategy it launched in 2021.
The group plans to boost the number of e-buses from 184 to 343 during the next year - an 86% rise - with the UK's first all-electric city networks set to go live in Perth and Inverness during 2023.
Stagecoach is continuing to target a zero emission UK bus fleet by 2035, with the introduction of 75 new zero emission buses during the last year - and a further 159 new electric buses set to be introduced next year.
Stagecoach will also start running 10 new hydrogen buses in Liverpool in the spring, operated through a partnership between Stagecoach, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Arriva.
Earlier this year, the Perth-headquartered group launched a report aiming to demonstrate the importance of government funding to match operator investment in new zero emission buses.
This was followed by further research published this month showing how national and local government policies can help to deliver modal shift from the car to more sustainable travel, helping people to save thousands of pounds and deliver reduced carbon emissions.
Greg Ritt, head of sustainability for Stagecoach, said: “We know there is still a lot of work to be done, but we’re pleased to have had a really good year of progress against our sustainability strategy.
“Despite the challenging macro-economic environment, and the specific pressures that are being faced in the public transport sector, as the country’s biggest bus and coach operator, 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.”
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