The first of Lothian’s fully electric, double deck buses hit the streets of the capital tomorrow (Sunday 8 September), marking an important milestone in the company’s 105-year history.

The Volvo BZL Electric buses, which will be operating initially on the Service 8 and 9 routes, offer customers improved comfort and quieter journeys, with each accommodating more than 70 passengers and featuring Wi-Fi, high back seats and handy USB charging points. Each vehicle also includes two wheelchair spaces.

At an investment of more than £24 million, Lothian’s commitment to introduce cleaner, greener buses into the fleet underpins one aspect of a much wider strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2035. The business has already taken massive strides in fitting the necessary infrastructure at its main depot in Annandale Street to support the charging of the vehicles, with future plans to ‘electrify’ the company’s other depots as set out in Lothian’s ‘Driving towards Net Zero’ environmental strategy.

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director at Lothian, said: “Lothian’s decarbonisation strategy has a massive role to play in reaching local and national government climate change targets to safeguard our environment while bringing wider social, health and economic benefits for the city.

“From a customer experience perspective, these new buses will provide visitors and residents with quieter, comfortable journeys. From our drivers’ perspectives, they will enjoy an enhanced driver workspace with improved vision in all conditions thanks to a camera-based mirror system.

“I am excited to see the first of these vehicles hit the streets of Scotland’s capital in a monumental moment in Lothian’s 105-year history and look forward to the new chapter of our net zero journey.”

Domenico Bondi, Managing Director of Volvo Bus UK & Ireland said: “It’s great to see the Volvo BZL Electric Double-Deckers in Lothian’s signature maroon and white livery, especially in the beautiful historic surroundings of Scotland’s capital. We’re proud to be able to support Lothian’s ambitious net-zero strategy with these vehicles and, in turn, help to provide a cleaner environment for the people of Edinburgh.”

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m delighted that Lothian is rolling out their new fully electric double decker buses across our network.

“This is a proud moment for the Capital as we step up our sustainable travel and keep on track to becoming a net zero city. Affordable, efficient and green public transport is key for any modern and forward-thinking city and this shows that we take our responsibilities to our residents, visitors and the wider environment seriously.

“I’m looking forward to getting on board one of these new buses myself and we’ll continue to work with Lothian to keep Edinburgh moving.”

While awaiting delivery of the buses, extensive works have been underway in Lothian’s Central Depot in Annandale Street to install the necessary charging stations for the new additions to the fleet. Once plugged in, it will take just 3-4 hours to fully charge the batteries powering each bus.