A NEW fleet of low emissions buses will roll onto the streets of Glasgow today.

First Glasgow launched 75 new buses with the world’s largest model bus display, dubbed the “world’s largest toy box” by Capital FM host Des Clarke, for all to see in George Square yesterday.

The new low-emissions vehicles will enter into service on route 75 from Castlemilk to Milton before the project is expanded to other services across Glasgow in time for the new city-wide Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) coming into effect from December.

Councillor Anna Richardson, city convenor for sustainability and carbon reduction, said: “For the people of Glasgow it means we will have much cleaner air and that’s very important for public health, but also, it makes the city a really much more pleasant place to live as well which is fantastic.

“This is a really exciting first step to reaching that goal. First Bus have now reached their target for the year, which is great.

“We’re working really closely with the other major transport firms and have made sure this target is achievable to allow their fleets to be upgraded beforehand.”

The new Double Decker MMC 400 buses, part of a £14million investment to lower the firm’s emissions by 2022, aim to offer an improved customer experience with USB charging points, comfortable e-leather seating and free WIFI, while being fitted with the latest Euro VI diesel particle filter and start/stop engine technology to offer a more eco-friendly journey.

First Glasgow are now pledging to continue to improve their offerings throughout their Glasgow network and are keen to work in close partnership with Glasgow City Council to deliver a better bus service for the city.

Managing director Andrew Jarvis said: “These new buses represent a significant investment for the city of Glasgow towards bus service improvements.

“These new buses are just the start of wide-scale improvements we are making throughout the business to improve our services and provide a better standard for everyone in the city. I am proud to share these with the people of Glasgow and hopefully even more people will now sample our new buses then see it as a real viable alternative to using the car.

“We are happy to say that this new investment means we will be fully compliant with phase one of the Glasgow LEZ Traffic Regulation Condition. We now look forward to working in close partnership with Glasgow City Council to not only deliver the next phase of the process, but also to improve bus services and help make public transport more attractive to more people in Glasgow.”

Cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity Michael Matheson added: “Bus services play an important part in our transport system and the Scottish Government is working in partnership with operators to improve the environment and air quality in our towns and cities with greener fleets. It is very encouraging to see the introduction of these new buses in Glasgow.

“We are providing support for operators, including First Glasgow, to push beyond normal diesel to greener technologies through the Green Bus Fund and Bus Services Operators Grant, ensuring that buses continue to keep Scotland moving while addressing air quality issues and climate change.”