ReGlasgow

PIONEERING Electric Bus Trial In Glasgow By McGill’s

4 July, 2018 | News, Public Transport

MCGILL’S Buses is trying out a zero local-emission bus on its busy 38 route into Glasgow City Centre.

The electric bus is built by Yutong, China’s largest bus and coach manufacturer, and McGill’s partnered with its sole UK and Ireland distributor, Pelican Engineering, to gain feedback on customer perception, and to gauge driveability and operating costs.

The vehicle has no engine noise or vibration, resulting in a better passenger experience, as well as a greatly reduced impact on the environment.

Eighty per cent of the current fleet operated by McGill’s reaches the Euro 4 emissions standard or higher, part of its effort to be greener, which coincides with Glasgow’s low emission zone strategy.

Ralph Roberts, managing director, said: “McGill’s was the first Euro 6 bus operator in Glasgow back in 2014, and this is the first electric bus of this size and durability in Glasgow.

“However, it’s not about being first, I want to slash our impact upon the environment as quickly as possible and am very keen to see if this Yutong bus is the product to help us do that. Early indications are certainly very good.”

McGill’s on-street team manager, Stephen Docherty, said: “I really enjoyed driving it. It’s strange at first as there is no noise at all, but I got used to it very quickly and it was extremely smooth.

“I’ve spoken to customers who have travelled on this bus and they praised the comfortable and quiet journey to and from Glasgow –- they gave it a big thumbs-up as did our drivers.”

Ian Downie, head of Yutong Bus at Pelican Engineering, said: “We are delighted that an innovative company such as McGill’s is demonstrating our fully zero local-emission vehicle in Glasgow, to illustrate the benefit of the local air quality that can be provided.”

Customers looking to board the bus can do so on Wednesday 4 July, Thursday 5 July and Friday 6 July from:

Paisley town centre – 09.13, 11.58, 13.43 and 16.28.

Glasgow, Union Street – 10.08, 12.53, 14.38 and 17.14

The 38 service operates from Johnstone and  Spateston to Paisley and Glasgow city centre.

McGill’s Buses

Pin It on Pinterest