Stagecoach 99 Buses to Go Electric

Earlier this month, Stagecoach, St Andrews’ premier bus service, announced the introduction of a brand-new, fully electric fleet. The new buses are set to take over Service 99, Stagecoach’s connecting route from St Andrews to Dundee and vice versa. 

The service is widely used amongst students and staff, operating seven days a week, running up to every ten minutes during the day and passing through areas like Guardbridge and Leuchars Railway Station, with end-to-end routes of just 30 minutes.

The upgrade, which has officially been put into motion with the launch of sixteen electric buses, marks a significant step toward sustainable public transport in St Andrews, promising both environmental benefits and a more comfortable experience for Stagecoach riders.

This investment represents a wider push from the company to manage and reduce overall carbon emissions. David Frenz, Interim Managing Director for Stagecoach East Scotland, told the University: “This is another major milestone in our journey towards Net Zero and underlines our commitment to providing sustainable, high-quality modern transport for local communities.”

The shift toward electric power also marks a milestone in the collaboration between Stagecoach and the University. Professor Ineke De Moortel, the University’s strategic lead on sustainability, welcomed the partnership, stating that the move aligns with the institution’s environmental goals.  

“We are delighted to work with Stagecoach in supporting the introduction of fully electric buses on Service 99,” Moortel said. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to sustainability, providing our university community with greener, more affordable transport while moving us closer to our net zero ambitions by 2035.”

Stagecoach’s website highlights several general improvements associated with its new electric bus network, aimed at enhancing the overall customer experience for the community. Service 99 will now include USB charging points at every seat, contactless payment facilities, and next stop announcements with both audio and visual updates.

Highlighting these benefits — catered to students, University staff, and locals alike — 

Frenz said, “The new 99 electric buses mean greener, more comfortable journeys for everyone […] we’re helping make travel in North East Fife and Dundee quieter, cleaner and easier for all.”

Image by Louisa Willan