YESTERDAY saw the official launch of Edinburgh’s first fully electric double-decker buses, thanks to funding from SP Energy Networks working with Lothian buses.

The £1.7 million project was funded as a flagship of SP Energy Networks’ £20m Green Economy Fund to enable Edinburgh to take a major step in its journey towards the city becoming net-zero by 2030. They are expected to bring benefits to communities in which they operate, helping improve the city’s air quality and bringing health benefits.

Lothian’s four brand new all-electric double decker buses will be introduced onto route 10, which connects outlying parts of the city, Western Harbour and Bonaly with Edinburgh’s city centre.

The City of Edinburgh Council has committed to establish a Low Emission Zone, reducing the carbon footprint of public transport and the new electric buses are a statement of intent for the city’s transport network. The buses will play a big part in Edinburgh’s green transport infrastructure.