STUDENTS at Robert Gordon University (RGU) gathered on campus to celebrate the arrival of a new fleet of 36 First Bus electric vehicles.
The 24 electric WrightBus double-deckers and 12 repower buses are aimed at providing students and the public with a greener alternative option for their daily commute.
Running primarily for services 1 and 2, which go to and from the Garthdee campus, the changes take the university closer to its goal of net zero emissions by 2045.
It comes as part of a £12.7 million investment into Aberdeen from First Bus.
Architecture masters student Heather McCole said: “I’m in my final year studying my Masters at RGU and it’s great to see the electric buses coming in to get students to and from the uni.
“I get the bus multiple days a week for classes, so I think it’s a hugely positive move for everyone in the city.
“The focus of my degree is on architecture and sustainability so the environmental impact of everything is at the forefront of the choices I make.”
Repower buses are traditional internal combustion engine buses converted to electric.
RGU has reported steady progress in its net zero efforts, with a steady decline through the use of personalised travel plans for staff, a student accessible budget for train travel, Liftshare and Cycle to Work Schemes.
The RGU Union runs BikePad, a bicycle repair and hire service to promote sustainable means of campus travel among students.
RGU’s director of estates and property services, Bill Somerville, said: “We take great pride in our nature positive campus and actively encourage sustainable travel to improve our efforts in meeting our collective net zero targets.
“It is encouraging to partner with a like-minded local organisation who is also committed to reaching net zero emissions for the city."
First Bus has set out its goal to be a fully zero-emissions transportation company by 2035.
Operations Manager at First Aberdeen, David Adam, who joined the students and staff, said: “Educating the next generation on the importance of sustainability will continue to be key to achieving the progress needed to make a difference and it was fantastic to hear from students first-hand about their drive and passion to protect the planet.”
