Glasgow open top buses will soon be one of the greenest tours in the world
City Sightseeing Glasgow has announced it will launch a full fleet of brand new electric open top buses, making it one of the world’s greenest tours.
Article Source: City Sightseeing Glasgow
Last Updated: 1 November 2022 11:48
Image Credit: Jamie Simpson
The open top tour, with its iconic red buses, serves the city’s key attractions including Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Green, Clydeside Distillery, Riverside Museum, Glasgow University, The Hunterian and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
The Glasgow tour company is part of the City Sightseeing Worldwide franchise, a global company delivering open top tours in just under 100 cities across the world; including Edinburgh, London, Dublin, Berlin, New York, Dubai and Johannesburg.
The launch of 10 new electric buses will make Glasgow the first ever City Sightseeing operator to operate a full fleet of electric vehicles. It is also the first ever Scottish open top tour to commit to full electric and one of the first in Europe.
The vehicles are a £4,500,000 investment and includes funding from the Scottish Government’s Scottish Zero Emission Bus (ScotZEB) Challenge Fund.
Sharon Morrison, Communications Director at City Sightseeing Glasgow, said: “We are excited to be introducing a full electric fleet to our open top tour in Glasgow. It’s great for the city’s green credentials and reinforces our commitment to meeting Scotland’s climate change goals.
“Whilst we already offer one of the most sustainable ways for visitors to enjoy the best of Glasgow, the move to full electric means we can showcase our city’s wealth of cultural heritage, and of-course its dear green spaces, with zero environmental impact on our city, its residents and visitors.
“As well as the environmental benefits of operating an electric fleet, the buses will offer an improved customer experience, with a much smoother and quieter journey for those enjoying Glasgow’s story.”
Glasgow Life Chief Executive, Susan Deighan, said: “This investment in a fleet of electric City Sightseeing Glasgow buses is a great example of how our tourism industry partners are driving forward climate-change action.
“Boosting their green credentials will help Glasgow further enhance its reputation as a leading international destination for responsible tourism and achieve its aims of becoming one of Europe’s most sustainable cities.
“Promoting the sustainability of the visitor experience Glasgow offers not only supports tourism, it also greatly benefits the people of our city, our economy, and of course our environment.”
Ivan McKee, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, said: “Today’s announcement from City Sightseeing Glasgow is great news for Glasgow and means visitors can enjoy exploring the city of Glasgow in sustainable and environment friendly manner.
“We are committed to becoming a world leader in 21st century tourism and have set world-leading climate targets which include a 75 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2045. By working together, we can help Scotland become a world-class destination, and the best destination for responsible, sustainable tourism.”
Tom Greenshields, Head of Business Development at Wrightbus, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting the city of Glasgow’s sustainability mission with our StreetDeck Electroliner Open Top buses. This 10-bus order will be one of the first City Sightseeing fleet in the world to be fully electric, which demonstrates Glasgow’s commitment to helping to reduce emissions.
“We feel proud to be working alongside City Sightseeing Glasgow and West Coast Motors, who operate the city’s Sightseeing buses, as their objectives very clearly align with ours to help play a part in the UK’s decarbonisation ambitions.”
Enrique Ybarra, Founder of City Sightseeing Worldwide, added: “Sustainability is a goal that the entire tourism industry shares and City Sightseeing Worldwide is delighted City Sightseeing Glasgow, through this pioneering development, has become one of the benchmarks for the entire sightseeing tour sector. We will continue to work with the same awareness to extend this example to the rest of our global network.”
The electric vehicles are expected to be introduced to the tour in July 2023.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Glasgow Club celebrates 25 years of spreading love for health, fitness and community as it marks its anniversary on Valentines Day
Scotland's largest network of health and fitness centres, Glasgow Club – which is operated by Glasgow Life – celebrates its 25th anniversary on Valentine's Day.
READ MORE
Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies
Set to be this year’s Barbenheimer, the two hotly anticipated films will be shown across a range of formats at Cineworld, where spectacular offers and merch will make your date night unforgettable.
READ MORE
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru
To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!
READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign
Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.
READ MORE
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner
The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.
READ MORE
The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records
The Rocky Horror Show has once again cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, with the 2024/2025 tour being the most successful ever staged in the show's 50+ year history!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries awards further funding to Glasgow causes in ongoing community scheme
Three local causes and community initiatives have received financial support from Glasgow shopping centre Buchanan Galleries to help them continue to make a difference.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces judging panel for Sir Billy Connolly award and first Gala line up
Glasgow International Comedy Festival have revealed 2025's judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, plus announced the first names for this year's Comedy Gala!
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals another nine acts for Glasgow Green 2025
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has today announced more acts taking to the stage at this summer's Glasgow Green extravaganza!
READ MORE
Brides hit the runway as Scottish Wedding Show prepares for take off
The Scottish Wedding Show, is preparing for take-off and getting ready to welcome thousands of engaged couples to the SEC, Glasgow from 22-23 February to help them plan their wedding!
READ MORE
Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest
Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey has announced Linka Moja as the special guest who will be joining him on his UK tour in April and May.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort shoppers donate nearly 4,000 gifts to support FARE Scotland annual toy appeal
Easterhouse charity, FARE Scotland, has revealed the number of donations collected from Glasgow Fort as part of its annual toy appeal.
READ MORE
First Bus is calling on people in Glasgow to celebrate their mums in a unique way
Offering a gift like no other, mums could see their faces displayed across the cities on the side of the First Bus fleet!
READ MORE
Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling
THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow
Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce Janey Godley tribute show featuring Elaine C Smith, Susie McCabe and more
Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) has announced a special tribute show for comedian Janey Godley, 'An Afternoon for Janey', which will raise funds for two charities.
READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland
Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.
READ MORE
An Evening with Sir Chris Hoy, live in Glasgow this March
Don't miss this rare opportunity to spend an evening with Sir Chris Hoy, one of Great Britain's most celebrated sporting legends.
READ MORE
Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!
Fat Hippo gets frisky with 'Le French Kiss' this Valentine's Day!
READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies
This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.
READ MORE
Wonder Fools bring their new production, The Kelton Hill Fair, to the Tron Theatre Glasgow
After an incredible sold out and award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Wonder Fools are delighted to bring their brand new show The Kelton Hill Fair to Glasgow.
READ MORE
El Perro Negro turns up the heat for Valentines with Vault City Brewing
Forget the candlelit dinners and awkward fancy meals this Valentine's Day, El Perro Negro and Vault City Brewing are bringing the heat, flavor, and fizz to burger lovers across Glasgow.
READ MORE
Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Glasgow
Glasgow's favourite fairground-themed night out, Fayre Play, are sharing the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting giveaway across the city.
READ MORE
The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow
The print publication will launch in Edinburgh this May with a separate Glasgow edition planned for later in the year.
READ MORE
Tropical Tiki Bar unveils new Darts Den with state of the art lanes
Get ready to up your game, Glasgow! The city's most exotic hideaway, Tiki Bar, has unveiled an exciting new addition to its offering!
READ MORE
Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland
A community orchard, tree planting and community wellbeing initiative and a local nature reserve are the first projects to benefit from the Urban Forestry Programme.
READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.
READ MORE
Glasgow show set to host doggie auditions for starring role in Comedy Festival show
Could a Glasgow dog be the next Spaniel Radcliffe or Pug Henshall? Is there a budding Collie Firth or Brad Pit Bull, waiting to be discovered?
READ MORE
Celtic Connections 2025 closes on a high note
The 32nd edition of Scotland’s premier winter music festival reached attendances of 110,000, with 125 sold out shows across its 18 days.
READ MORE
Bongos Bingo returns to Glasgow with even more magic and mayhem
Bongo's Bingo is back in Glasgow with a run of spectacular shows, including 80s specials and St. Patrick's Day specials at SWG3.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links