Stagecoach confirms plans to increase electric bus fleet by over 80 per cent

Credit: Stagecoach

Stagecoach has confirmed that it is planning to increase its electric bus fleet by over 80 per cent in the next 12 months as it continues its journey towards being a net zero business. 

The coach operator has published a new report outlining progress in 2021-2022 against the strategy that it had launched in 2021, ‘Driving Net Zero: Better Places to Live and Work’.

The report details a programme of improvements delivered in 2021-2022 against its Planet, People, Prosperity and Governance targets. Furthermore, it includes a package of capital investment in new cleaner buses, measures to improve energy efficiency as well as improvements and investment for Stagecoach employees and local communities.

The company is continuing with its plans to target a zero-emission UK bus fleet by 2035, and has introduced new electric buses across many parts of the country, including one of Europe’s biggest investment in electric buses in Manchester.

As part of these plans, Stagecoach will be increasing its electric bus fleet from 184 buses to 343 within the next year, representing an increase of 86 per cent. It will also be launching the first all-electric city bus networks in the UK in Inverness and Perth in 2023.

Mayor of London’s plan to accelerate capital’s transition to electric vehicles

Some highlights of 2021-2022 outlined in the report include:

• Introduction of 75 new zero-emission buses in regions across the UK, with 79 new electric buses in London. A further 159 new electric buses are planned to be introduced in 2023
• Helped customers avoid nearly 20,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by providing them with more sustainable travel
• The first bus operator to introduce low bridge alert technology across its fleet of 4,000 double decker buses
• New employee networks in place as part of diversity and inclusion plans, giving employees the chance to help shape the agenda and bring about lasting change
• New UK customer contact centre opened, creating 60 new jobs.

“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,” said Greg Ritt, Head of Sustainability for Stagecoach. “Our services are critical to re-building the country’s economy and levelling up communities. 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.”