Ballymena built hydrogen bus fleet go into service in Aberdeen

A fleet of hydrogen buses featuring cutting edge technology, and built by Ballymena’s Wrightbus, have entered service in Aberdeen today.

With zero emissions, the 60 seat double deckers are part of Aberdeen Council’s strategy to cut air pollution on the city’s streets, saving a kilogram (2.20lbs) of CO2 every kilometre (0.62 miles) they are driven.

Each vehicle costs £500,000 each and represent a massive investment that will benefit Aberdeen’s environment, while yielding benefits for the local economy here in Ballymena, as Wrightbus continues to go from strength to strength after it’s rescue from collapse by Jo Bamford.

The buses will be operated by First Bus. Managing director at First Bus, Andrew Jarvis, said:

“Today marks a significant milestone in our industry and the way that people choose to travel.

“Scotland will be home to COP26 later this year and it is fantastic to know that we’ll be setting a stellar example of just what can be achieved with new technology as we welcome leaders from around the world.

“First Bus serves thousands of customers in Aberdeen and we know that so many of our customers take the bus because they care about our planet and reducing their carbon footprint.

“We’re excited to now be able to offer them an even greener and quieter way of getting about the city.”

Wrightbus chairman, Jo Bamford, said it was a proud moment to see the buses in full operation for the first time.

He said: “Everyone at Wrightbus is incredibly proud to see the world’s-first hydrogen double decker bus fleet in full service and carrying passengers around the streets of Aberdeen. It marks a pivotal moment in the city’s commitment to reaching net zero.

“We will see further Wrightbus hydrogen buses in locations across the UK, with fleets due to launch in Birmingham and London later this year. It’s vital that other towns and cities sit up and take note of their example.

"Hydrogen has an important part to play in the decarbonisation of transport and the reduction in CO2 levels that we need to reach to ensure a net zero future.”