A new fleet of 55 electric buses will serve the Glasgow area, as part of an environmental pledge announced in the run-up to the COP26 climate conference.

The city of Glasgow, which is currently playing host to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) conference, will receive a new fleet of 55 modern E12 electric buses, provided by Chinese operator Yutong.

The proposed electric bus network is a partnership between Yutong and private bus operator McGill’s. The buses will host a series of state-of-the-art features, including Yutong’s NVH noise-reduction technology.

Also involved in the proposal are the International Association of Public Transport, and bus and coach importer Pelican Bus and Coach.

“Urbanisation will increase demand for sustainable transport around the world in coping with the high emissions of private vehicles caused which is about three quarters of CO2 from urban passenger transport,” said Philip Turner, Head of Sustainable Development of International Association of Public Transport, during the delivery ceremony.

He continued: “Public transportation is the most effective way to improve travel efficiency and energy conservation and emission reduction, which coincides with the green public travel advocated by Yutong.”

Kent Chang, Director of Yutong Overseas Distribution Sales, said: “Yutong is taking a lead in helping China and the world to achieve emissions targets by releasing the first net-zero emissions initiative in China’s bus industry.

“We will continue to make efforts to promote the transformation of smart manufacturing, speed up the realization of the green commercial vehicle industry chain, and advocate the culture of public transportation.”