Bus company announces introduction of low carbon fleet
Tividale-based bus company Rotala, which operates key transport routes across England, is to introduce a new fleet of low carbon emission buses in 2021.
With financial support from Yorkshire Bank, Rotala is in the process of purchasing 163 micro hybrid low-floor double and single-decker vehicles, which meet Euro 6 emissions standards, as well as the Government’s Low Emission Bus scheme targets to improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions.
Most of the double decker vehicles will be introduced into its Greater Manchester business, Diamond Bus North West, and be in service by mid- 2021.
Single decker vehicles will be introduced into the company’s West Midlands, Preston Bus and Heathrow operations, also by mid- 2021.
Simon Dunn, chief executive of Rotala, said: “Our new fleet of buses and coaches is part of our green strategy as we ultimately move towards becoming net zero. The vehicles should last around 15 years, which will take us to the deadline for zero carbon emissions. The technology in this area is still new, so we are keen to see how this develops over the next few years and we will continue to make changes in our business to meet our green ambitions.”
James Oliver, senior director at Yorkshire Bank, said: “Rotala has a strong sustainability strategy to ensure it meets the net zero target by 2035 and the introduction of the micro hybrid fleet is a vital part of that plan. The new vehicles will allow Rotala’s customers to have a more comfortable journey, while reducing some of the maintenance costs on its older fleet.
“The bank is eager to support businesses to become greener – our research suggest that while 85% of SMEs surveyed believe that sustainability is important to their business, only 43% currently have targets in place. We have recently launched our own sustainability strategy and our Benchmarking Tool, in partnership with Future-Fit Foundation, is open to any UK business wanting to understand how it can contribute to a more sustainable future.”
