Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) has delivered ten bespoke Enviro200 to First Glasgow in a £2.1 million deal. The high specification buses feature a first class interior for First’s Glasgow Airport Express service. They are a stunning example of the partnership approach to meet operators’ requirements and exceed passengers’ expectations.
The interiors of the 11.8-metre Enviro200 buses were designed in close collaboration between operator and manufacturer to offer a premium journey experience. Passengers will enjoy the comfort of coach-style seating with extra leg room and fold-down tables. The leather-trimmed seats feature specially designed fabric that is exclusive to the Glasgow Airport Express service.
Designed to make the on-board experience as pleasant and relaxing as possible, there is stainless steel luggage racking at the front of the bus to allow passengers to leave their bags and suitcases immediately on boarding the vehicle, so they can travel in comfort in the air conditioned, spacious saloon.
Complimentary 4G Wi-Fi, USB charging points as well as audio-visual display screens providing next stop information and announcements keep customers seamlessly connected throughout their journey. Wooden effect flooring with under-seat mood lighting completes the luxury look and feel, contributing to the relaxed atmosphere.
The new generation ADL Enviro200 buses are powered by latest Euro 6 engines. Innovative smart accessories further reduce CO2 tail pipe emissions and deliver class-leading fuel economy. The buses are fully Low Carbon Emission Bus compliant.
These vehicles also benefit from the market’s first “stop start” engine technology which ADL has introduced across the range. This state of the art technology automatically shuts off the engine at bus stops on door opening, restarting on door closure. Cutting out gaseous emissions and noise at bus stops greatly improves overall air quality in the vicinity of the vehicle and passengers’ experience even before they board the bus.
Glasgow Airport Express is the new brand for the fast link between the Scottish city’s international airport and its centre and stations. Running up to every ten minutes around the clock, passengers are whisked to Glasgow city centre in just 15 minutes with Buchanan Bus Station reached within 25 minutes. First Glasgow has operated the service under the Glasgow Shuttle name since January 2011, growing passenger numbers by 30% with a previous fleet of ADL buses. Its contract to deliver the route was renewed until 2021 earlier this year.
Fiona Kerr, Managing Director of First Glasgow, said: “I’m very pleased with the strong growth we’ve already achieved on the Glasgow Airport route and as our investment in our next generation Glasgow Airport Express fleet shows, we’re determined to build on our success and encourage more people to use the service.”
She added: “As a Scottish-based business, I’m extremely proud that our Glasgow Airport Express buses were manufactured in Falkirk by another Scottish-based business, Alexander Dennis Limited and who worked closely with us to deliver a bus designed around our specific requirements. By investing in Scottish engineering, we are supporting jobs and skills that will help to maintain our country’s world-leading reputation for innovation.”
Colin Robertson, Chief Executive of Alexander Dennis Limited, stated: “We are delighted that ADL is First Glasgow’s sole bus supplier this year. We take this as a ringing endorsement of our product quality, aftermarket support and partnership with the team at First Glasgow.
“We have collaborated closely to deliver these brand new vehicles which combine the latest Euro 6 engines with cutting edge smart technology to further reduce CO2 emissions and optimise fuel economy. The premium interior specification with high back luxury seating, ambient lighting and USB ports at all seats will contribute to a first class passenger experience.”