West Coast Motors will introduce its 10 open-top Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner battery-electric double-deckers to the City Sightseeing Glasgow operation over the coming spring and summer, a spokesperson has confirmed.
The first of those was delivered in February. Their purchase has been supported by £2.4 million from the initial round of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus challenge fund. When all are in service, they will permit conversion of the operator’s year-round red route to zero-emission.
Separate to the new buses, City Sightseeing Glasgow will introduce a yellow route from 17 May. It will cover the east and south of Glasgow, complementing the red route’s presence in western and central areas.
Operations Manager Richy Graham says the yellow route will showcase “some of the lesser known, but equally fascinating parts of the city.” Commentary is being created by Discover Glasgow Managing Director Sabrina Allison. The yellow route is to be operated by Euro VI diesel vehicles.
Combination tickets allowing use of both services will be available. Among the 19 locations served by the yellow route will be Hampden Park, Celtic Park, Ibrox Stadium, Tennent’s Brewery, Barrowland Ballroom, and Glasgow Science Centre.
Speaking about the StreetDeck Electroliner introduction, Mr Graham adds: “The launch of our fleet of electric buses is a great example of the important role our city tours play in sustainable tourism and making Glasgow a greener and more attractive destination for visitors from all over the world.”
Images released by Wrightbus show that the StreetDeck Electroliner open-top fleet for City Sightseeing Glasgow has dual doors. The manufacturer adds that the model gives a range of up to 200 miles.
Eight such open-toppers are also to be used on City Sightseeing Oxford duties by Oxford Bus Company as part of an order for 104 Wrightbus battery-electrics by the Go-Ahead Group subsidiary.
