Scottish independent bus operator McGill’s continues to invest in its fleet with a £4.8m order for 26 Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro200 low emission single-deck vehicles, to be delivered by the end of March 2019.
All the vehicles will be built with Euro 6 engines and ADL’s SmartPack efficient diesel technology. The coach and bus manufacturer says the new vehicles’ real emissions will be significantly lower than the demanding Euro 6 standard requirements due to engine stop/start technology and smart management of alternator and compressor, which are programmed to recharge from surplus energy when the engine is coasting.
The new order from McGill’s, which currently operates 450 vehicles across 110 routes and has depots in Greenock, Barrhead, Coatbridge, Inchinnan and Johnstone, comprises 11 10.4m length Enviro200s and 15 11.5m versions. The longer vehicles will include high-backed seats with the McGill’s logo embroidered into each headrest and USB charging points.
The new buses will be used across McGill’s Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and Glasgow networks. They will be fully compliant with requirements for the impending creation of a Low Emission Zone in Glasgow city centre, with the first phase being introduced on 31 December 2018.
Ralph Roberts, Managing Director of McGill’s, says the ADL product’s low operating cost and high reliability made it an “easy decision” to choose the Enviro 200 for this year’s bus investment.
“Our Inverclyde and Renfrewshire routes will benefit from this £4.8m of investment and not only give our current customers an enhanced travel experience but hopefully tempt non-bus users to give the bus a try.”