The move to invest in three new Alexander Dennis Enviro100EV buses and six Yutong E10 buses from Pelican Engineering is backed by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, supporting the local authority’s £13.8m transport improvement programme.

According to the council, the programme is designed to promote accessibility and inclusivity across ‘active and sustainable’ transport methods, reducing the number of car trips taken by improving links between walking, cycling, bus and rail journeys.

The region is also set to benefit from the delivery of nine multi-modal transport hubs situated on major bus routes across the area, providing facilities such as e-bike and e-car hire and charging stations to boost connectivity in both rural and urban locations.

As part of the council’s commitment to enhancing its bus network, the new vehicles will assist in achieving net zero targets, as well as helping to ‘improve passenger experience and increase patronage on the region's public bus network’.

The buses will also have cycle-carrying racks installed, allowing for a more seamless integration of cycling and public transport.

‘This investment reflects Dumfries and Galloway Council’s commitment to delivering cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive transport for the future’, a council spokesperson said.

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