Testimonials
Openreach
Robert Thorburn - Scotland's Partnership Director, Openreach
“We are excited to try a new approach with First Bus that can potentially help both our businesses. As two major fleet operators in the UK, it makes sense for us to explore the most efficient ways to power up our electric vans and buses.
First Bus has made a massive investment in charging infrastructure and using their empty stations to juice up our vans will take pressure off public charge points. Our engineers often live in flats or apartments where charging is not yet an option, so this will make life easier for them too.
It’s all about learning and trying new, sustainable ways of working. There are many hurdles on the low carbon journey, and businesses need to join forces to overcome them, help drive wider adoption of electric vehicles and talk to government on issues like charging infrastructure availability.”
DPD
Olly Craughan - Head of Sustainability, DPD
"The Caledonia depot is a fantastic facility and this is a really smart initiative between two brands that are investing in a greener future for Scotland. The partnership will be hugely beneficial as it will enable our drivers to access fast, reliable and secure charging stations in Glasgow during the day.
Our plan is to be delivering in both Glasgow and Edinburgh City Centres using only electric vehicles by the end of next year, and this is another step towards making that a reality."
City Sightseeing
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Colin Craig - Managing Director, City Sightseeing
"Our fleet of ten new electric open top tour buses are amongst the first electric open top fleets to operate worldwide, and it was essential we had them operating in time for our all important summer season. Delays to our own charging infrastructure going live seriously compromised our availability to operate our new fleet, so it was a considerable relief to partner with First Bus and use their charging infrastructure at their Scotstoun depot. Working with the First Bus team has been seamless and kept our electric fleet operational at all times.
Leveraging shared infrastructure is undoubtedly a solution for fleet operators to decarbonise their fleets. I would not hesitate to recommend First Glasgow's facilities to meet their charging requirements."
Ember
Andy Mason - Head of Operations, Ember
"Ember are delighted to collaborate with First Bus and to gain access to ideally located charging facilities that help to support the expansion of our zero-emission intercity services across Scotland.
Ember's services run night and day across 365 days of the year, and it is therefore vital that we establish reciprocal relationships with infrastructure partners that we trust and can work closely with - First Bus certainly fit that bill.
The partnership has been implemented very cleanly since the outset, and we've found that the First Bus team work with a constructive and thoughtful approach, which is vital in establishing an effective working setup. The pre-briefing and site guidelines that First Bus provided were clear, concise and even extended to video tours of the site, which is a really helpful resource when it comes to briefing a diverse driver team.
Our hope is to continue to make the most of shared infrastructure initiatives, and that this initial project at the Caledonia depot is just the first step in an expanding partnership as both parties work towards shared goals that will underpin a cleaner travel network of exceptional quality right across the UK."
Police Scotland
Billy Andrew - Electric Vehicle Programme Manager, Police Scotland
"Police Scotland have been operating electric vehicles for more than twelve years in relatively small numbers. In the last four years we have made significant investment in new electrical charging infrastructure while increasing our fleet to several hundred electric cars.
Prior to COP 26, I became aware that First Bus had recently installed approximately 80 ultra-rapid electric vehicle chargers at their Caledonia depot in Glasgow. I contacted First Bus who put me in touch with Graeme Macfarlan, their Commercial Director. I was invited along to see their complex and many of their new electric buses, all of which were very impressive.
With a legal contract agreed, First Bus created an excellent tutorial video covering site safety and etiquette for police officers to follow. The facility has allowed charging to take place in a safe and secure environment. I look forward to working with First Bus as they complete charging infrastructure in other towns and cities across Scotland."