As part of its ongoing vehicle evaluation programme, West Coast Motors-owned Borders Buses has introduced the UKs first hybrid coach to its network.
The Irizar i4H is on trial for four weeks, initially on the Edinburgh-Galashiels section of the X95 Edinburgh-Carlisle.
The PSVAR-compliant coach is designed to reduce fuel consumption by 20%.
It is one of several demonstrator vehicles currently being tested across the Borders Buses network.
Sharon Morrison, Commercial Manager at Borders Buses says: “In addition to the types of vehicles, it is important we remain engaged with customers to ensure our buses and coaches are specified with facilities which make travel simpler and more enjoyable.
“To date, ease of access, WiFi, comfortable seating and USB charging station are top of our customers’ list.”
Since taking over from First Borders in March 2017, Border Buses has invested £4m in new vehicles, GPS ticketing machines and most recently a mobile app which allows bus users to locate bus stops, plan trips, track journeys via a live tracking system and buy tickets.