SPT News
Communities in Maybole and Largs applaud SPT's pioneering new hybrid vehicle.
New hybrid Mobile Travel Centre visits Ayrshire
January 18, 2010 15:41 UKNewsSPT's hybrid Mobile Travel Centre continued its inaugural tour of Strathclyde last week when it visited South and North Ayrshire communities.
On Wednesday (13 January) the vehicle went to the village of Maybole where it was greeted by locals and members of the Community Council, who were impressed by the Centre's many green features.
Ward Councillors Ann Galbraith, Sandra Goldie, Mhairi Low and SPT member for South Ayrshire, Councillor Bill Grant, were also on hand to welcome its arrival.
The following day the Travel Centre visited Largs, where local pensioners Eleanor Henderson and Anne Lamont were among people to hop aboard for travel information.
Iain Hossack, Policy Officer for Environment at North Ayrshire Council, also came along to check out its environmentally-friendly credentials.
Chair of SPT, Councillor Alistair Watson, was present at both events. He said: "It was lovely to go out with the Mobile Travel Centre and meet people in the communities we serve.
"This new vehicle is the first of its kind in the UK, and SPT is proud to lead the way for hybrid bus technology through this exciting initiative."
The £205,000 vehicle is powered by diesel hybrid technology. This means its diesel engine is only used to charge the electric batteries that drive it.
The batteries are also used to provide power within the vehicle, making electrical appliances such as computers and TVs self-sufficient. Solar panels in the roof provide power for the vehicle's interior lighting.
SPT anticipates these features will bring 33% fuel savings and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least a third.
Cllr Watson added: "We worked hard to ensure the vehicle is as green as possible with optimum fuel efficiency and a minimum carbon footprint. We hope commercial operators will be encouraged to trial this type of vehicle.
"It is fitted with high-speed broadband internet access to provide online timetables. It is also smartcard ready for the future roll-out of electronic ticket sales."
The vehicle will be introduced to communities during a series of inaugural visits in January and February.
Pictured above with Cllr Watson in Largs are (left to right) Eleanor Henderson and Anne Lamont.
Pictured below at Maybole are (left to right) Councillors Ann Galbraith, Alistair Watson, Sandra Goldie, Bill Grant and Mhairi Low.
