Believed to be the first autonomous bus project of this complexity and ambition globally
Over one million miles of testing completed
Scotland’s Transport Minister Kevin Stewart has joined partners Stagecoach, Fusion, Alexander Dennis Ltd and Transport Scotland today (Thursday 11 May) to officially launch the UK’s first autonomous bus service, AB1, ahead of it beginning passenger service on Monday (15 May).
The Transport Minister was joined at the official media launch event at the Traffic Scotland National Control Centre today by Ray O’Toole, Executive Chairman for Stagecoach, as well as representatives from each of the CAVForth partners.
CAVForth, is a collaborative project, comprising of Fusion Processing Ltd, Stagecoach, Alexander Dennis, Transport Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, Bristol Robotics Lab, and the University of the West of England. It is part-funded by the UK Government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV).
AB1 is believed to be the first registered bus service in the world to use full sized autonomous buses.
The trial, which will now run until 2025, aims to demonstrate autonomous technology in a real-world environment transporting up to 10,000 passengers per week. During this time, the partners will make improvements and monitor the benefits for passengers, operations and society.
This key milestone in autonomous technology is the result of almost ten years of research and development from Fusion Processing Ltd, with their CAVStar system having covered over 1.8million kilometres in tests.
A fleet of five Alexander Dennis Enviro200AV vehicles will cover the new 14-mile route, in mixed traffic, at up to 50mph across the iconic Forth Road Bridge from Ferrytoll Park & Ride, in Fife to Edinburgh Park Transport Interchange.
The service will have two members of staff on board: a Safety Driver in the driver’s seat to monitor the technology, and a ‘Captain’ in the saloon to take tickets and answer customers questions. The Captain is there to demonstrate what a full-size autonomous bus might feel like in the future, when one member of staff can leave the cab while the computer does the driving, and engage with passengers, much like a conductor would have done.
The recently announced CCAV funding for CAVForth II, sees the project extended to 2025, challenging the partners to extend the route north to Dunfermline City bus station in 2024.
Scottish Transport Minister, Kevin Stewart, said: “It is really exciting to see the innovative and ambitious CAVForth Project take to the roads in earnest after all the hard work of the partner organisations involved in bringing this world first to Scotland.
“We want Scotland to continue to be at the forefront in the development of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and the start of this live trial will really help the country establish its credentials on the world stage.
“I am excited to see how this technology can help to support our vision for a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system.”
Ray O’Toole, Executive Chairman for Stagecoach said: “This is an incredibly exciting time, and we are delighted to see the hard work of all partners involved, pay off on the official launch by Scottish Transport Minister, Kevin Stewart.
“We are proud to be at the forefront of transport innovation with this project, marking a significant milestone for public transport and we look forward to welcoming our customers on board from Monday.”
Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director, Paul Davies, said: “Our participation in this exciting project is testament to the great expertise of our engineering team, who continue to lead technology development for tomorrow’s mobility.
“We believe that automated driving systems like the one we are trialling in CAVForth will further improve safety by reducing reaction times, as well as offering the ability to drive buses in a more efficient manner by optimising acceleration and deceleration to deliver significant energy savings and reduced wear and tear on the vehicle.
“We look forward to gaining further experience through CAVForth and continuing to develop this promising technology for our customers.”
Professor Nick Antonopoulos, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice Principal of Research & Innovation at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “CAVForth is a world-leading project, and one we are proud to be involved in.
“Automation offers an opportunity to transform the ways we get around in years to come, while improving safety and reducing energy consumption. As this trial gets underway, we look forward to contributing Edinburgh Napier University’s transport research expertise to understand more about the passenger experience on the AB1 service.”
Jim Hutchinson, CEO, Fusion Processing, said: “CAVForth is an exciting showcase of how our CAVstar® Automated Drive System can safely operate in a very complex driving environment.
“This pilot is globally significant and marks a step change in the operation of autonomous commercial vehicles on public roads.”
Free travel for military and ex-military personnel available again on 11th and 13th November
The operator has now extended the offer to include cadets wearing uniform
Available on all Stagecoach bus and tram services across the country
Transport operator proud member of Armed Forces Covenant
Stagecoach has confirmed its ongoing commitment to the armed forces by extending its new policy of free travel for veterans and military personnel to include cadets who wish to attend remembrance services. Free travel will be valid on its bus and tram services right across the UK on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
The commitment to free travel, which is now in its second year, comes on the back of the launch of Stagecoach’s employee led Veteran’s Network. The network was launched last year to allow Stagecoach colleagues to come together as one voice to make change, raise awareness, help influence business decisions and introduce new ways of working to make the company even stronger.
As a cause that is close to the hearts of its employees and customers, Stagecoach has been a long-time supporter of the Poppy Appeal, and in addition to free travel on 11th and 13th November, Stagecoach will be operating a number of Poppy Buses across its network. Poppies will also be displayed on the front of buses across the country with some destination blinds showing the messaging “We will remember them”.
Employees across Stagecoach will also respect the two minutes silence and where safe to do so, drivers may pull over to honour this.
Stagecoach has also been a member of the Armed Force Covenant since March 2015, recognising the value of serving personnel, regular and reservists, veterans and military families to both the country and businesses across the country.
With Remembrance services planned at memorials across UK, it is hoped that people wishing to pay their respects will take up the offer to travel for free to the service of their choice.
This commitment from Stagecoach allows for the business to unite and to offer free travel to all military, ex-military and cadet customers and it will continue each year on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday as well as Armed Forces Weekend.
Simon Tramalloni, Operations Manager in Preston & Chorley is co-lead for the Stagecoach Veterans Network. He previously served in the Armed Forces serving in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Africa and the Middle East.
He said: “After the idea came about last year, I am so proud that we are now able to offer this to military cadets and celebrate a second year of offering free travel to military and ex-military personnel.
“Stagecoach has a strong commitment to supporting the armed forces and our veterans, and we have thousands of ex forces personnel working across our business.
“The Veterans Network is allowing us to build on the work that Stagecoach has led over many years to identify how else we can support those veterans already working for us and those that may want to come and join the company.
“Remembrance Day and the Poppy Appeal are causes close to the hearts of many of our employees and customers and we are very pleased to be making this commitment that will hopefully help people to attend memorials across the UK.”
Help reduce carbon emissions – one full double decker bus takes 70 cars off the road
Bus and coach operator, Stagecoach, is celebrating Scottish Bus Week (23 – 29 May) with a range of activities to encourage Scots to ditch their cars and try the bus.
The campaign, run by #LovemyBus, is an opportunity to celebrate bus and the role it can play as a solution to the environment, levelling up, and connecting communities. It is also a chance to show gratitude to those working to provide essential services now and during the pandemic.
The operator has a range of planned activities across the Scottish regions to raise awareness of the crucial role buses play in local communities.
The campaign encourages a shift from car to bus use, but also helps reduce emissions, where the average bus journey emits only half of the Co2 per kilometre than the average car journey.
Community celebrations will include pop-up events in Ayr and Kilmarnock bus stations and a flash mob on an open top bus at Ayr beach. Stagecoach and the Scottish Bus Week team will be handing out freebies, competitions and chatting with communities about the important role bus plays.
The #LovemyBus youth team will also be visiting local primary schools in East and South Ayrshire for some fun activities and games and classes will benefit from a tour of the latest Alexander Dennis electric buses.
In East Scotland, there will be a free shuttle bus from Dunfermline Bus Station (stance 13) to the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum on Sunday 29 May for those who want to mark the occasion and see a selection of the best-preserved vintage buses in Scotland. Entry to the museum costs just £5 for adults, or £3 for children and concessions. Alternatively, a family ticket can be purchased for £12, which includes two adults and two children.
For those who want to join in on the celebrations online, the team at West Scotland are running a Bus Bingo competition every day a new bingo card will be posted on the companies Twitter account @StagecoachWScot, play along while you’re travelling to work or to school and share with friends.
Sam Greer, Stagecoach Regional Director for Scotland said: “The #LovemyBus team do a brilliant job of raising awareness of the benefits of using the countries bus and coach networks, and helping towards a modal shift from cars to public transport.
“The teams across Scotland have planned lots of celebration and activities for our people, customers and communities to get involved and back the bus.
“There has never been a more important time to take action to address the climate emergency and play a part in helping Scotland deliver on its net zero ambitions and by reducing car use and opting to use public transport, we can reduce our carbon footprint to help meet these targets.”
For more information about the activities in your area, visit:
Stagecoach officially opens new customer contact centre in Perth, offering improved customer service to communities across the UK
Demonstration of continued commitment to customers and communities served
New centre has created over 60 full-time roles
Improved seven-day a week service with extended opening hours
Marks key milestone in its customer transformation strategy
Stagecoach opened its new customer contact centre on Thursday, based at its headquarters in Perth.
Stagecoach UK Managing Director Carla Stockton-Jones officially launched the contact centre with local authorities and industry bodies.
Customers from right across the UK can now use the new one-stop phone and digital contact point. The new multi-skilled team of over 60 new customer service advisors and team leaders will operate an improved seven-day a week service and will move to fully extended opening hours on weekdays and weekends within the year to align better with how people travel.
Customers can still contact Stagecoach in the usual way via Twitter, Facebook or email and a dedicated advisor will be on hand to support their enquiry. In addition, from this week, customers can now call 0345 241 8000 and speak to someone in the new customer contact centre.
There will be one easy point of contact that customers can use to speak to a member of the Stagecoach team on any queries they have, including questions about timetables, feedback on services, help with smartcards and lost property.
Major investment is being made in a new customer relationship management system to help provide tailored support, better understand customers’ end-to-end journeys, and quickly address any emerging common issues.
Carla Stockton-Jones, UK Managing Director for Stagecoach, said: “This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to providing the best possible service to customers in our drive to a cleaner, greener country and also marks another major milestone in our customer transformation strategy.
“I am proud of our team who have worked incredibly hard to introduce our new customer contact centre. This is an exciting and major step forward in our plans and from this week, our new customer service team will be serving our customers right across the UK.
“There is a huge opportunity to attract people to more sustainable public transport in the years ahead as national governments look to move to net zero. Delivering the best experience to every single customer is central to helping people make the switch away from cars to public transport.”
David Littlejohn, Head of Planning and Development & Chief Planning Officer for Perth and Kinross Council helped to officially launch the event and said: “Stagecoach’s history in Perth stretched back more than four decades and this is a tremendous vote of confidence in the city and its workforce.
“Sustainable transport is crucial in the fight against climate change and this new customer contact centre will make it easier for people to leave the car at home and travel in a more environmentally-friendly way.”
Live road testing taking place from this week for next two weeks
Passenger service planned to go live in late summer
Europe’s most complex and ambitious public autonomous bus pilot
Over 20 Stagecoach ‘Autonomous Bus Professionals’ being recruited to support the service
The UK’s first full-sized autonomous bus will take to the roads of Scotland for the first time this week as live testing begins for project CAVForth.
Stagecoach, in partnership with Fusion Processing, Alexander Dennis and Transport Scotland, will be carrying out on-road testing* of the autonomous bus over the next two weeks in preparation for the launch of the CAVForth pilot service in late summer.
The Project CAVForth pilot, which is jointly funded by the UK Government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) will see five single-deck autonomous buses operating at SAE Level 4 over the Forth Road Bridge between Ferrytoll Park and Ride in Fife and the Edinburgh Park Train and Tram interchange.
The buses are fitted with Fusion Processing’s ground-breaking sensor and control technology, CAVstar, that enables them to run on pre-selected roads without the safety driver having to intervene or take control. The buses will provide a service capable of carrying up to 36 passengers over the 14 miles across the bridge, with capacity for over 10,000 passengers a week.
The on-road testing in Scotland follows successful depot-based trials, track testing and virtual simulation where the buses have been put through their paces to fine tune the autonomous drive systems.
To help support the delivery of Project CAVForth, Transport Scotland recently opened a section of Actively Managed Hard Shoulder for all buses on the M8 eastbound. It will help to reduce journey times and improve journey time reliability for all buses of 24 seats or more on approach to Edinburgh.
As part of project CAVForth, around 500 members of the public have helped with the implementation of the new autonomous bus service on it, providing feedback on what would make them feel comfortable and confident in travelling. Built on the feedback received, the partners have developed a vision for the new autonomous vehicles, which includes making sure future autonomous bus services still have a member of staff on board.
In a further positive step forward in the project, over 20 specially trained ‘Autonomous Bus Professionals’ are soon to be recruited by Stagecoach from across its East Scotland business.
When the service goes live, these experienced bus drivers will monitor the autonomous system alongside a bus ‘Captain’ who will move around the saloon, talking to passengers about the service and answering any questions they may have, demonstrating what a future service might feel like when the staff member is able to leave the cab while the computer does the driving.
Sam Greer, Regional Director for Stagecoach in Scotland, said: “Stagecoach is continuing to look for ways to improve the service it offers to customers, including through major investment in new technology, such as the CAVForth pilot.
“This is a hugely exciting project for Scotland and we are pleased to be starting live testing on roads today. This is a major step forward in our journey to fully launch the UK’s first full-sized autonomous bus service and will provide easy access to a brand-new bus route in the heart of East Scotland.”
Chris Gall, ADL Group Engineering Director, said: “The start of on-route testing is a milestone for our autonomous bus project.
“In partnership with Stagecoach, Fusion Processing and Transport Scotland, Project CAVForth helps us to explore new technologies that will make buses even safer and even more efficient. As we move towards passenger services later in the year, the project will be a landmark demonstration of future technologies in transport.”
Jim Hutchinson, Fusion Processing Ltd CEO, said “We are delighted to be leading the world’s most complex and ambitious autonomous vehicle programme.
“CAVForth will provide a useful service to local people as well as being a great demonstration of Fusion’s automated vehicle technology. The buses are fitted with CAVstar, our automated driving system which combines our own hardware and software to create, safe, full-size buses, operating at SAE Level 4.
“On road testing is an exciting milestone in the development of autonomous commercial vehicles and we look forward to welcoming passengers onboard in a few months’ time.”
New report from Stagecoach sets out pathway to attracting over one million new passengers to the UK’s bus networks through the switch to Zero Emission Buses
New report sets out an ambitious national vision for achieving the introduction of 100% Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) across the UK
Independent research shows that over a million new passengers could start using buses if the transition to ZEBs is done right, having a significant impact on modal shift from cars to public transport
Research makes clear that the costs of the transition cannot fully be borne by passengers, with fare rises to finance the increased costs of greener buses risking a significant reduction in bus patronage
Report highlights significant operational and commercial challenges all bus operators face to introducing a full ZEB fleet
It sets out a detailed plan for introducing greener buses, with a series of recommendations for industry, government and local authorities to meet the practical challenges and deliver on passenger expectations, including securing a sustainable long-term funding model.
More than one million new passengers could be attracted to use the UK’s bus networks through the switch to zero emission buses, according to a new landmark report published today by Stagecoach, Britain’s biggest operator.
Road map to zero: the transition to Zero Emission Buses, what it means for people, and the journey to get there sets out an ambitious national vision for achieving the introduction of 100% Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) across the UK.
The independent research and recommendations build on Stagecoach’s target of achieving a 100% Zero Emission UK bus fleet by 2035 and are designed to support all bus operators in achieving this ambition as well as supporting the country’s net zero targets.
Looking at the challenge by focussing on the people who interact most with the bus network – both the public and the workforce – the report identifies the scale of the opportunity that electric buses present, showing how they can attract a new generation of bus users.
Over a million current non-bus users say they would start to use services if electric buses were introduced in their local area, as long as fares and frequency remain the same. What’s more, over nine million current passengers would expect to use the bus more often.
The research shows that almost one in five of people interviewed in Scotland would use the bus more if Zero Emission Buses replaced local diesel buses, with 73% of people wanting to see their local bus company move to using only ZEBs.
The report highlights the significant operational and commercial challenges that all UK bus operators need overcome to achieve this, including:
Upgrading infrastructure across the country, electrifying all vehicles and depots, recognising the increased space and longer charging times that ZEBs will require.
Upskilling the workforce and attracting a new generation of people to highly skilled, green jobs in the bus industry.
Developing a long-term sustainable funding approach which reflects the increased costs of a ZEB compared to a diesel bus.
Critically the research lays bare the importance of getting the approach to overcoming these challenges right.
Getting the transition wrong could have significant consequences for passengers and the sustainability of the bus network. Independent polling carried out as part of the report shows that if fares were to increase by just 10% to fund the transition to Zero Emissions Buses, more than 12 million passengers say they would use the bus less often, with 63% of people interviewed in Scotland agreeing with this stance.
If the introduction of greener buses failed to improve either punctuality, frequency or passenger experience, over 14.5 million people would be left disappointed.
The research highlights significant public support for the transition to ZEBs, finding that:
The public want to see the introduction of greener buses – 66% of the public think that the move to Zero Emission Buses is a good thing
Transitioning to Zero Emission Buses is likely to make the public have a more positive impression of their local bus operator – there is a likely 268% increase in satisfaction towards their local bus operator amongst non-bus users after the introduction of ZEBs
The public recognise the scale of the challenge – 53% of the public consider that it will be hard or very hard for bus operators to shift to 100% ZEBs.
To meet passenger expectations, Stagecoach has today proposed three core principles and 21 specific recommendations which will allow the industry to transition to 100% electric buses while increasing the number of passengers across the network.
Developed following a roundtable with industry stakeholders and policymakers, and reflecting the priorities of passengers, the principles identified from the report are:
Funding: The costs of the transition cannot fully be borne by passengers as patronage will fall further.
Customer experience: Passengers need to feel that the quality and reliability of service they receive when travelling by bus will improve with the introduction of green buses, rather than be put at threat.
Partnership: All stakeholders with an interest in delivering this vision need to work collaboratively to solve the barriers to rollout.
The report’s specific recommendations cover funding, infrastructure and operational changes, and workforce challenges, and include:
Bus operators, local authorities and national governments should work collaboratively to explore new or innovative long-term funding models, including local revenue raising solutions.
Bus operators should work with local authorities to promote the introduction of new ZEBs to ensure their introduction is effectively maximised as a potential trigger point for modal shift.
The bus sector should collectively promote new ‘green engineering apprenticeships’ to young people across the UK, securing a sustainable workforce of the future.
Local Transport Decarbonisation Partnerships should be established between different bus operators, Distribution Network Operators and local authorities to establish the gaps between existing grid capacity and that are required to achieve full ZEB rollout in each community
Government and Ofgem should assess the need for a new statutory duty on DNOs to prioritise grid infrastructure upgrades which have a significant social and community impact, such as bus charging infrastructure.
Martin Griffiths, Chief Executive of Stagecoach, said: “This report demonstrates the prize that is front of the country in terms of moving people out of cars and onto lower carbon forms of transport, if we get the transition to Zero Emissions Buses right.
“Not only can we reduce emissions by transforming the environmental footprint of the bus fleet, but we can build a new generation of bus passengers.
“This is exciting news for bus operators, the wider industry, government, local authorities and crucially for passengers. However, it’s clear that this is conditional on us all getting the transition right and ensuring that the priorities of passengers are put first.
“Our research makes clear that this transformational change needs to be done carefully. This road map is our contribution to the wider debate, setting out a plan that will support the whole sector make this a success.
“It’s clear that to achieve this we must take a collaborative approach that meets passenger expectations and focusses on improving the passenger experience. If we get this right there’s so much to gain, but if we don’t we risk setting back the transition to Net Zero.”
The recommendations in the report have been supported by leading voices across the sector including Scottish Government, Zemo Partnership, Campaign for Better Transport and Transport Focus.
Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “I welcome this contribution from Stagecoach on practical actions that can be taken to decarbonise buses, putting workers and passengers at the forefront of considerations.
“Choosing bus is already a fantastic choice for the environment, but electric buses offer even more benefits for our air quality and climate.
“To respond to the global climate emergency, we all have to play our part. So I’m pleased that as well as producing this report, Stagecoach is active in our Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce, where we are working together to agree a pathway to a zero emission fleet for Scotland.”
The Rt Hon Norman Baker, Campaigns and Policy Advisor for Campaign for Better Transport, said: “It is great to see the enthusiasm within the bus industry for a determined move towards a zero emission bus fleet.
“This reinforces the point that the bus is key to any strategy to tackle climate change and rightly positions the bus as part of the solution and a vehicle firmly grounded in the future. We welcome this report from Stagecoach.”
Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “We are pleased to see this report and research from Stagecoach. Zero emission vehicles will be increasingly key to helping public transport play its part in achieving Government decarbonisation targets.
“More investment in buses is really welcome. New vehicles, plus a focus on passengers’ key priorities of reliability and value, will tempt more people to give bus a go.”
Andy Eastlake, Chief Executive, Zemo Partnership – the organisation working closely with Government and key stakeholders to accelerate the net zero transition in road transport – said: “This report shows the potential ‘win-win’ we could achieve from the transition to zero emission buses if we work together to get things right.
“Travelling by bus can already be one of the most sustainable and lowest carbon modes of travel and the rapid transition to zero emission buses – that we’re working hard with Stagecoach and others to achieve – will improve this further.
“The shift to zero tailpipe emissions buses is a great opportunity to transform the image of the bus and capture a whole new set of users who want to do their bit for the UK’s net zero ambitions. The smooth, quiet, efficient zero emission bus using renewable energy can be a compelling proposition and should be in the vanguard of the UK’s journey away from fossil fuels.”
Stagecoach has taken positive strides in moving towards a Zero Emission fleet in Scotland, and is in the process of introducing 46 new fully electric buses in its key Scottish transport networks in Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Perth as part of the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme.
Stagecoach launched its new long-term sustainability strategy last year; Driving Net Zero: Better Places to Live and Work – which sets out plans to decarbonise its business by around 70% by 2035 as well as targeting a Zero Emissions bus fleet across the UK by that date.
The roadmap to becoming a fully carbon neutral business will see investment in new Zero-Emissions fleets, such as electric buses, and other green technologies over the next 15 years. It follows a 14% reduction in carbon emissions between 2014 and 2019.
Free travel for military and ex-military personnel on 11thand 14th November
Commitment will continue annually
New employee led Veterans Network key to Stagecoach commitment
Stagecoach has confirmed its ongoing commitment to the armed forces by announcing that it will be offering free travel for veterans and military personnel on its bus and tram services right across the UK on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday.
The commitment to free travel, which will be ongoing every year, comes on the back of Stagecoach’s newly launched employee led Veterans Network.
The network was launched to allow Stagecoach colleagues to come together as one voice to make change, raise awareness, help influence business decisions and introduce new ways of working to make the company even stronger.
The Veteran Network is also currently engaging with the armed forces on a recruitment campaign directly targeting those who are leaving the military to find job opportunities at Stagecoach.
As a cause that is close to the hearts of its employees and customers, Stagecoach has been a long-time supporter of the Poppy Appeal, and in addition to free travel on 11th and 14th November, Stagecoach will be operating a number of Poppy Buses across its network, including Merseyside & South Lancashire, Cumbria & North Lancashire, Portsmouth and Aldershot.
Poppies will also be displayed on the front of a number of buses across the country with some of the destination blinds showing the messaging “We will remember them”.
Employees across Stagecoach will also be asked to honour the minutes’ silence.
Stagecoach has also been a member of the Armed Force Covenant since March 2015, recognising the value of serving personnel, regular and reservists, veterans and military families to both the country and businesses across the country.
With Remembrance services planned at memorials across UK, it is hoped that people wishing to pay their respects will take up the offer to travel for free to the service of their choice.
This commitment from Stagecoach allows for the business to unite and offer the same great experience to all military and ex-military customers and it will continue each year on 11th November and the following Sunday* as well as Armed Forces Weekend.
Simon Tramalloni, Operations Manager in Preston & Chorley is co-lead for the Stagecoach Veterans Network. He previously served in the Armed Forces serving in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Africa and the Middle East.
He said: “Stagecoach has a strong commitment to supporting the armed forces and our veterans, and it’s great that we are able to offer free bus and tram travel across the whole country as we mark Remembrance Day.
“We have thousands of ex forces personnel working across our business and having the new Veterans Network is allowing us to build on the work that Stagecoach has led over many years and identify how else we can support those veterans already working for us and those that may want to come and join the company.
“Remembrance Day and the Poppy Appeal are causes close to the hearts of many of our employees and customers and we are very pleased to be making this commitment that will hopefully help people to attend memorials across the UK.”
Investment to deliver estimated cut of 67,000 tonnes in annual carbon emissions by 2035
Cut is equivalent to reducing the carbon footprint of more than 5,000 Scots to zero New electric bus fleets to be rolled out in Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Perth later this year
Further 40 tonnes of CO2e a year expected to be saved through more energy efficient buildings
Stagecoach sustainability strategy aiming to deliver a greener, healthier and fairer Scotland
Government must show “strong and brave leadership” on transport to incentivise right choices.
Stagecoach, the UK’s biggest bus and coach operator, is marking Scottish Climate Week with a plan to cut tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions a year from its business as it targets a zero emissions bus fleet by 2035.
Investment in clean technologies, including new electric buses, are expected to deliver an estimated annual reduction of around 67,000 tonnes of CO2e from its fleet of more than 1,200 buses in Scotland in less than 15 years.
According to Zero Waste Scotland, the average annual carbon footprint per person in Scotland is 13 tonnes of CO2e. This means Stagecoach’s plans are the equivalent of reducing the environmental impact of more than 5,000 Scots to zero.
Stagecoach services are already helping households across the UK reduce their carbon footprint by offering more sustainable travel. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Centre for Economics and Business Research found that without Stagecoach bus services, there would be an annual increase of around 190,000 tonnes of CO2e through people using alternative transport, mainly cars.
The latest Stagecoach targets and commitments are part of the company’s new sustainability strategy Driving Net Zero: Better Places to Live and Work, published in advance of the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow in November. Stagecoach is aiming to decarbonise its business by around 70% by 2035 as well as targeting a zero emissions bus fleet across the UK by that date.
The roadmap to becoming a carbon neutral business will see investment in new zero-emissions fleets and other green technologies over the next 15 years to reduce the impact of the company’s operations on the planet, as well as initiatives to cut waste, boost recycling and conserve water.
A £21.4m fleet of 46 new fully electric buses is being introduced by Stagecoach in Aberdeen, Perth and Kilmarnock this year as part of the Scottish Government’s Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus scheme. It follows the UK’s first fleet of six fully electric buses serving rural communities which went into service earlier this summer under a partnership between Stagecoach and SP Energy Networks, connecting villages along the Irvine Valley with Kilmarnock town centre.
Stagecoach has already been converting its existing vehicles to make them greener in advance of the transition to electric and other zero emissions technologies.
The clean air retrofit programme has seen over a third of buses in Scotland retrofitted with either Euro VI or new exhaust systems, both of which mean they have 95% less emissions that standard buses. Stagecoach is also working with the manufacturing sector on how to use clean technologies that are applicable to coaches, which operate on longer routes not currently suited to electric vehicles.
Separately, five Scottish Citylink coaches in east Scotland have been fitted with new solar panels which provide clean solar energy to power all on-board electrical equipment. This reduces the requirement to create electric energy via the burning of diesel, a move that is estimated to save up to 7,500 litres of fuel and over 20 tonnes of CO2.
Investment is also being made in Stagecoach buildings and depots across Scotland, with 11 depots around the country fitted with hi-tech energy management systems to control heating and help reduce gas and heating oil consumption.
Under the latest plans, by 2027 Stagecoach energy management systems will meet the international standard ISO 50001 and it will also be procuring all electricity from 100% renewable sources from April 2022. As a result, annual carbon emissions from Stagecoach buildings in Scotland are expected to reduce by 40 tCO2e a year from 2027.
Sam Greer, Regional Director for Stagecoach in Scotland, said: “There has never been a more important time to take action to address the climate emergency and play a part in helping Scotland deliver on its net zero ambitions.
“Our plans start with improving the sustainability of our own business. But we can also leverage the power of public transport focus on our plans to create a greener, smarter, safer, healthier and fairer Scotland.
“Making net zero a reality – and quickly – is about more than just switching technologies. We also need to change how we travel, moving people away from cars to walking, cycling and wheeling, and public transport.
“This needs strong and brave leadership from national and regional governments to create incentives to reward the right choices. We also need to make sure the country’s transport infrastructure is prioritised for people, such as bus passengers, whose are contributing to a cleaner and healthier country.”
Funding made available through Scottish Government’s Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme
22 double-deckers and 24 single-decker electric buses for Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Perth
Major investment totalling £11m in Aberdeen, £6m in Kilmarnock and £4.4m in Perth
Buses all built in Scotland by leading bus manufacturer ADL with Perth and Aberdeen infrastructure provided by SSE
Boost for Scotland’s world-leading bus manufacturing sector helping protect and grow jobs
Stagecoach has announced that it will be introducing a further 46 new fully electric buses representing an investment of £21.4m across Scotland as part of its drive to improve air quality and support the Scottish Government’s environmental targets.
The order for new electric buses follows today’s announcement by Scottish Government of additional funding being awarded through a second round of the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme.
The initiative helps bus companies invest in electric vehicles and associated infrastructure to support a green recovery out of the coronavirus pandemic, improve air quality and advance Scotland’s ambitions for a net-zero economy.
Scottish Government has set a legally binding target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. Transport has a critical role to play in the economy reaching net zero, as rising car use has resulted in a rise in carbon emissions from the sector. Stagecoach has recently announced that it is targeting a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2035.
Funding has been awarded to bus operators following a competitive bidding process with Scottish Government investing £8.9m from its grant scheme in the new Stagecoach buses.
The new electric bus order is made up of:
22 electric double-decker ADL E400 buses for use in Aberdeen City 15 electric single-decker ADL E200 buses for use on Kilmarnock Town Services 3, 6 and 7 9 electric single-decker ADL E200 single-deckers for use in Perth on bus routes 1 and 2 The investment provides a boost for Scotland’s world-leading bus manufacturing sector, helping to protect and grow jobs in Scotland. The new buses will all be built in Falkirk by leading independent global bus manufacturer ADL in partnership with BYD, the company’s partner for electric buses in the UK and Ireland.
The award from Scottish Government also includes funding for electric infrastructure for depots. Stagecoach is partnering with Scottish-headquartered low carbon energy company SSE to deliver the new electrical infrastructure needed in Aberdeen and Perth depots.
Sam Greer, Regional Director for Stagecoach in Scotland, said: “Sustainable public transport is critical to the future of our planet: decarbonising local journeys, reducing road congestion, improving air quality and tackling climate change. We welcome today’s announcement by Scottish Government of additional funding to support the roll out of 46 new electric buses in Scotland.
“This major investment will also provide a boost for Scotland’s world-leading bus manufacturing sector, helping to protect and grow jobs in Scotland. As major investment is made in zero and low emission buses, it also enables us to build further on developing in skills and training for our engineering teams to maintain the new greener fleet as we transition to new zero emission technologies.
“As Scotland gears up to host the COP 26 climate change summit in November, it’s a crucial time for us all to think about how we can help deliver a greener recovery from Covid-19. Major investment in new zero-emission buses also needs to be matched by better road infrastructure and more bus priority measures to help encourage people to make the switch from car to sustainable public transport.”
Over the past decade, Stagecoach has invested more than £1 billion in 7,000 new greener vehicles – more than any other operator in the UK – including electric, hybrid electric and hydrogen and bio-fuel technologies.
Paul Davies, ADL President & Managing Director, said: “This substantial order of new electric buses continues Stagecoach’s track record of strong investment in cleaner buses. We look forward to working closely with Stagecoach to get these new buses onto the roads of Aberdeen, Perth and Kilmarnock at pace.
“These zero emission buses will be built at our factory in Falkirk and it is great news for Scotland that this investment is being recycled into the local economy, allowing the benefits to be felt across our communities whilst helping to underpin skilled jobs.”
Kevin Welstead EV Sector for SSE Enterprise said: “SSE Enterprise is delighted to partner with Stagecoach to help them deliver their planned bus electrification programme across Scotland.
“Ensuring that we provide this and the next generation with clean and green public transport is a priority for us – especially with COP26 coming to Glasgow this year, of which we are proud to be a major sponsor.”
Independent research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research* (Cebr) published last year shows that Stagecoach delivers cleaner communities and annually saves £12.4million in emissions impact costs, which could power 9,800 homes for a year.
Without Stagecoach bus services, there would be an annual increase of 190,000 tonnes of CO2 through passengers using alternative transport, mainly cars. Some £343 million in potential congestion-related savings are also delivered by Stagecoach through a reduction of 1.22 billion miles of traffic.
£4m project to strengthen existing safety measures to prevent bridge strikes
Enhancement to GreenRoad’s leading driver safety and fuel-efficiency system
Technology to cover 8,000 buses in England, Scotland and Wales by summer 2021
Stagecoach, Britain’s biggest bus operator, has announced that it will become the first bus operator in the country to invest in the national roll-out of new bridge alert technology across its fleet.
The £4m project will strengthen existing measures in place to prevent bridge strikes and build on Stagecoach’s industry-leading use of the GreenRoad driver safety and fuel efficiency system.
GreenRoad’s core safety system is installed on all of Stagecoach’s 8.000 buses in England, Scotland and Wales. The technology also serves professional drivers from companies across Europe, the Middle East, America, Australia and New Zealand.
Using a simple traffic-light-like LED system on the dashboard, the GreenRoad system gives drivers instant feedback about their driving manoeuvres, encouraging smoother, safer, more fuel-efficient driving that is more comfortable for passengers.
Stagecoach has been in discussions with GreenRoad over the past eight months on how to extend the telematics technology to further improve safety for its fleet – including 3,800 double-decker buses – around low bridges.
Data from Network Rail shows that there were 1714 railway bridge strikes across the country in the 2019-20 financial year. Most of these incidents involve heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), with between 40 and 50 a year related to buses.
As well as the potential for serious injuries, bridge strikes have significant financial and other costs for the country. On average, a single bridge strike costs more than £6,000 and in 2019-20 these incidents resulted in more than 7,800 hours of delays for rail passengers alone.
The intelligent GreenRoad system will use GPS vehicle location data and mapping services to alert the driver to nearby low bridges. If the technology determines that the bus is heading towards a low bridge, it will sound an in-cab alert, allowing a safe exit route that avoids the bridge.
Following a 16-week software development phase, the technology and associated speakers will be installed on Stagecoach buses across the country by summer 2021.
It will enhance a range of existing safety measures in place, including the design of bus routes to avoid low bridges, detailed classroom and practical route training for drivers, and ongoing work with authorities to ensure the placement of appropriate signage and other alerts.
Stagecoach Chief Executive Martin Griffiths said: “Everything we do starts with safety: for our customers, our people, pedestrians and other road users. Buses are already one of the safest forms of travel. But every year we invest millions of pounds in training our professional driving team and new technology to make our public transport operations even safer.
“Our country’s infrastructure includes many railway bridges designed in an era before modern transport vehicles went on the road, creating a safety risk. We have been working for many months with GreenRoad to design this important Low Bridge Alert enhancement to their proven safety technology, and are now implementing it to bolster the extensive measures we already have in place. We look forward to delivering the benefits from our investment across the country.”
The industry-leading initiative has been welcomed by Network Rail, which works with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), highways bodies, and road transport providers to help prevent bridge strikes.
Network Rail’s Chair, Sir Peter Hendy CBE, said: “Bridge strikes are an unnecessary burden on our railway. They pose serious safety risks, cause hours of delays for rail passengers and road users and swallow up public funds which should be used on upgrading and improving our network.
“We’ve seen encouraging signs of incidents declining recently thanks to our engagement work with industry partners, drivers and operators, as well as the introduction of technology which assists drivers, but the transport sector has to continue working together to make bridge strikes a thing of the past.
“I commend Stagecoach on taking the initiative with the roll-out of this technology and I hope to see other operators take a similar proactive approach to tackling the issue in the near future.”
Stagecoach’s bus drivers have been leading the way in GreenRoad’s global performance measurement programme for the past five years. More than 5,000 of Stagecoach’s 15,000 drivers have been awarded GreenRoad’s Fleet Elite status, reflecting the company’s approach to consistent improvement in safety and ongoing investment in driver training.
To gain Fleet Elite status, drivers must achieve an average of five or fewer events, such as harsh braking or acceleration, per 10 hours of driving over the entire calendar year. More Stagecoach employees have gained Fleet Elite status than any other company in the worldwide scheme.
David Ripstein, GreenRoad’s President & CEO, said: “We are pleased and honored to continue assisting Stagecoach in addressing some of its most significant safety challenges.
“We view ourselves as a safety technology leader that forms long-term partnerships with our customers, leveraging our best-in-class safety telematics solutions, together with our many years of experience, to help them reduce accidents, improve operations and minimise risk.
“We look forward to continued close cooperation to help Stagecoach reach the uncompromising standards of safety that they have set for themselves.”
Societal changes seen during pandemic lead to options for more flexible public transport
Range of products on offer to help businesses easily find the right transport solution
Dedicated education buses, simple corporate ticketing packages, demand responsive services, business shuttles and event travel support all available
Provides a more sustainable alternative to single use car trips
Building on success of tailored solutions introduced during Covid-19 pandemic
Additional options to run alongside regular bus, coach and tram services
Dedicated website can be found at www.stagecoachsolutions.com
Stagecoach is helping businesses, the education sector and event organisers to bounce back from Covid-19 with a range of tailored solutions through a ‘one stop shop’ approach to help employers, pupils and customers.
As the UK comes out of lockdown, public transport continues to play a vital role in the country’s recovery ahead. As well as helping to restart the economy, it is vital in bringing normality back to many areas of people’s daily lives.
Covid-19 has brought about many societal changes such as home working, more targeted travel and more flexible working. A recent survey carried out by transport and research consultancy SYSTRA suggests that 55% of UK employees would like to change the times that they work, including their start/finish times or working their hours across fewer days.
As a result, Stagecoach has created a new product (Stagecoach Solutions) through which it has developed a range of sustainable options as an alternative to its traditional bus services to help organisations and their people continue their more flexible public transport commute. This includes tailored shuttle buses, education bus services, on demand services and simple corporate travel to support the growing desire of companies to put sustainability at the heart of their business. These options will be offered in addition to its regular scheduled bus, coach and tram services.
As the UK’s biggest bus and coach operator, Stagecoach has 40 years of experience of operating public transport services, and has helped to keep people on the move throughout the pandemic. Stagecoach has recently worked with the NHS and other organisations to introduce tailored services to support employee travel, including “Stagecoach Connect”; offering three new demand responsive bus services for the NHS in the East Midlands.
When larger gatherings are permitted as part of the lockdown easing, Stagecoach will also be able to offer travel support for major events and festivals.
It has extensive experience of managing event travel and has been at the heart of every large sporting event for the last decade. This includes global events such as the London Olympics, the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Solheim Cup in Scotland, the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Glasgow, the Ryder Cup and many major music festivals and other events.
A dedicated new website, www.stagecoachsolutions.com, will clearly demonstrate the full range of options available with the facility to speak to somebody about their specific needs or complete an easy web form. The relevant local team will then identify which travel solution can fit the organisation’s needs.
Neil Micklethwaite, Business Development Director for Stagecoach, said: “We have seen many changes in society during lockdown, with more home working, more targeted travel and potentially more flexible working ahead.
“We want to give companies and educational establishments a range of different ways of helping their employees, pupils and students return safely and with confidence to their work and learning place, without having to rely upon the car.
“Covid-19 has demonstrated the positive impact that tailored solutions can have, such as the launch of our Stagecoach Connect service for the NHS. The extra products we are offering will provide a range of options that enable employees, pupils and students to return to work and school safely and to help companies and educational establishments put sustainability at the heart of their business.
“As Britain’s original and most successful transport start-up, we’re well known for championing new ideas and our new range of transport solutions can support the public and private sector in getting back on its feet, and helping communities across the country recover.”
The options are designed to provide a more sustainable solution to unnecessary single use polluting car trips and the dedicated website provides:
Corporate tickets; offering businesses tailored tickets for employees who regularly use the bus to travel to work
Customised demand responsive services; on demand services available at a time and place that suits businesses and their employees
Education bus services; dedicated bus services for better control of social distancing for schools, colleges and universities
Business shuttle services; helping employees get to work safely with a dedicated eco-friendly service
Rail replacement services; ground transport solutions to help minimise rail disruption
Travel support for major events and festivals when larger gatherings are permitted under lockdown easing plans
For more information, visit www.stagecoachsolutions.com
