BYD ADL partnership delivers 9 e-buses to Guildford

The BYD 12m ebus delivered to Salgótarján [Photo courtesy of BYD]

The UK's leading supplier of electric buses, the BYD ADL partnership, has taken a significant step forward with the delivery of nine 10.8m pure electric buses, together with charging equipment, to the Stagecoach South company for use on park and ride services in the Surrey town of Guildford near London.

The delivery underlines the steady growth in the BYD ADL partnership's reach as it begins the penetration of provincial fleets outside the capital. The buses, with a single door and 36 seats, are designed to offer outstanding comfort and appeal for passengers.

Importantly, these are the first buses supplied by the partnership to the Stagecoach Group which has a fleet of 8,000 buses and long-distance coaches, and is one of the largest public transport operators in the country.

In Guildford, the nine electric buses will connect three car parks and a leisure center with the downtown area, operating six days a week, with a service frequency of between 10 and 15 minutes. Guildford, an important and historic town south of London with a major university, is popular with commuters to the capital.

Arthur Whiteside, ADL's Managing Director for UK Sales, said: "We are delighted to support Stagecoach South and Surrey County Council in their introduction of clean, zero emission buses….[that] will further enhance the attractiveness of Guildford as a destination and place of employment in the regional economy."

Speaking at the launch event in Guildford today, BYD's UK Country Manager, Frank Thorpe, said: "The entry into service of these vehicles means that our joint enterprise has now supplied advanced electric buses to the majority of the major bus operating groups in the UK."