NEW ultra-low emission buses have been launched to improve travel links to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

First Glasgow announced the move for the 34/34A service which will see 12 new vehicles unveiled servicing staff and patients. 

Built by Alexander Dennis in Falkirk, the dozen new vehicles began their first routes on Thursday and will look to reduce the stress of parking at the hospital.

The new buses also come with extra comfortable e-leather seats, free WIFI, USB charging points and all have ultra-low emission Euro VI diesel engines. 

Denis Sweeney, NHS travel planning and systems manager, said: “NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is delighted that First has made this commitment to the 34/34a routes, by introducing these new energy efficient vehicles on such a key route for our patients and staff to access the Queen Elizabeth University and New Victoria Hospitals.

"We hope these new buses will encourage more patients and staff to see bus as a viable option for travel to these hospitals.”

Glasgow’s largest operator announced plans last week to invest in another 75 new ultra-low emission vehicles for Glasgow in 2019.

This highlights First Glasgow’s continuing commitment to improving the quality of offering to its customers while at the same time playing its role in improving air quality in the city.

Andrew Jarvis, managing director for First Glasgow, said: “We are committed to working with partners such as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to provide transport solutions for their already busy sites and bustling car parks.

"Hopefully with the improvements we are making to the city’s bus services, staff and patients alike will see the bus as a viable alternative to taking the car.

"The bus is very much part of the solution when it comes to reducing emissions on our already congested roads as one full low emission bus can take up to 75 cars off the road.

“By deploying our new Euro VI technology vehicles that offer more comfort and are eco-friendlier we are headed in the right direction, as we look to make public transport a more attractive alternative to the car for more people and hopefully the NHS staff will see a big benefit from using these services to take away the stress of parking on such a busy site.”

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have also now signed up to the First Bus Commuter Travel Club which allows their staff discounted travel on this key service to work meaning staff can now leave the car at home with a fast, frequent and reliable bus service.

The Commuter Travel Club is an employee benefits scheme, offering discounted bus travel to employees of companies who are First Bus travel partners in Greater Glasgow.

Find out more about the First Bus Commuter Travel Club here.