Sixty new high-capacity buses ordered for Edinburgh and the Lothians
Longer double-deckers to hit Edinburgh streets to meet growing passenger demand
Lothian Buses has ordered 60 new high-capacity double-deck buses to support growing passenger demand across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
The operator selected the Volvo B8L chassis with Alexander Dennis Enviro400XLB bodies for the 12.8m, three-axle vehicles.
They will be deployed across the East Coast Buses and Lothian Country networks, as well as the Airlink 100 service between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre.
This latest order builds on a successful collaboration between Lothian Buses, Volvo and Alexander Dennis, following the introduction of 78 Volvo B8L-based double-deckers into the fleet in 2018 and 2019.
Dylan Dastey, engineering director at Lothian Buses, said: "Lothian is delighted to once again be working in partnership with Volvo and Alexander Dennis, building on our long-standing relationships to deliver new double-deck vehicles for our capital city."
At 1.3m longer than the operator's standard two-axle models, the new buses will offer enhanced accessibility on the lower deck, including two wheelchair and buggy spaces alongside priority seating.
Lothian Buses also plans to order 40 zero-emission double-deckers from the manufacturers, combining the next-generation Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV body with the Volvo BZL electric chassis.
The procurement of the electric fleet remains subject to grant funding from the Scottish Government’s third-round Scottish Zero-Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB3).