McGill’s, Scotland’s largest independent bus operator, is the latest to test Yutong’s zero-emission (ZE) electric bus, with a trial on its busy 38 route into Glasgow city centre.
McGill’s MD Ralph Roberts says: “McGill’s was the first Euro 6 bus operator in Glasgow back in 2014, and this is the first electric bus of this size and durability in Glasgow. alt=”” class=”figimg” src=”https://route-one.net/wp-content/uploads/McGills.jpg” style=”float:right” />
“However, it’s not about being first. I want to slash our impact on the environment as quickly as possible and am very keen to see if this Yutong is the product to help us do that. Early indications are certainly very good.”
The bus was built by Yutong, China’s largest bus and coach manufacturer, and McGill’s partnered with UK and Ireland distributor, Pelican Bus & Coach, to gain feedback on customer perception, and to trial drivability and operating costs.
The single decker consists of features such as no engine noise or vibration, resulting in a better passenger experience, as well as a greatly reduced impact on the environment.
Currently 80% of McGill’s fleet is Euro 4 and above, and this is part of its greening strategy, which also coincides with Glasgow’s low emission zone strategy.
McGill’s On-street team Manager, Stephen Docherty, says: “I really enjoyed driving it. It’s strange at first as there is no noise at all, but I got used to it very quickly and it was extremely smooth.
“I’ve spoken to customers who have travelled on this bus and they praised the comfortable and quiet journey to and from Glasgow – they gave it a big thumbs up as have our drivers.”
Ian Downie, Head of Yutong Bus at Pelican Bus & Coach said: “We are delighted that an innovative company such as McGill’s is demonstrating our fully zero local-emission vehicle in Glasgow, to illustrate the benefit of the local air quality that can be provided.”
