Larbert-based bus maker Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of Toronto-listed NFI Group Inc, has announced that it is working with Volvo Buses to build 60 new tri-axle double-deckers for award-winning Scottish bus operator Lothian Buses.

Souter Investments, the family investment office of Stagecoach Group founder Brian Souter, sold Alexander Dennis to NFI Group for about £320 million in May 2019.

Alexander Dennis has placed a firm order with Volvo Buses for 60 new low-emission double-deck buses based on the efficient B8L chassis, which Alexander Dennis will body with its Enviro400XLB design.

Lothian’s new buses will have three axles and a length of 12.8m, around 1.3m longer than most of the operator’s two-axle double-deckers.

The extra length will be used to offer inclusive and accessible spaces for passengers on the lower deck, including two wheelchair and buggy spaces alongside priority seating. Passengers will board and alight at the front of the bus, allowing a high seating capacity to be maintained.

The majority of the new Enviro400XLB will be used to meet rising demand in the East Coast Buses and Lothian Country operations, which connect East and West Lothian to the Scottish capital. The Airlink 100 service between Edinburgh airport and the city centre will also benefit from the fleet investment.

Dylan Dastey, Engineering Director at Lothian Buses, said: “Lothian is delighted to once again be working in partnership with Volvo and Alexander Dennis, building on our long‑standing relationships to deliver new double‑deck vehicles for our capital city.

“Since launching our Driving Towards Net Zero decarbonisation strategy in 2023, we have remained firmly focused on achieving our long‑term sustainability ambitions.  At the same time, we continue to invest in renewing and modernising our fleet to ensure we provide safe, reliable and high‑quality services for our customers, both now and in the years ahead.

“This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering the best possible customer experience, while supporting our wider ambition to fully decarbonise the fleet over the coming years.”

Paul Davies, President & Managing Director at Alexander Dennis, said: “We’re delighted to be part of this Lothian Buses-led collaboration which will deliver a new fleet of double-deckers for the Scottish capital and neighbouring areas.

“We welcome Lothian’s support for British design, engineering and manufacturing and the impact that this project will have on jobs and supply chain.”

“We’re also delighted to be continuing our long-standing relationship with Volvo. Their B8L chassis offers a platform on which we have been able to design a version of our Enviro400XLB body that will allow Lothian to offer additional space to passengers, benefitting customers with accessibility needs and making bus travel more inclusive for everyone.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with Volvo to expand our range across the UK market and working closely with them on future opportunities.”

Domenico Bondi, Managing Director Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, said: “We are building on the cooperation that we have had back in 2018 which has been a successful project. We have a flexible business model working together with different bodybuilders and this is one example. The Volvo B8L is already a well-proven chassis and in service in many cities both in the UK and other countries. The new double deck will help to reduce road congestion and with it further improve air quality in Scotland’s capital city.”

The collaboration between Lothian Buses, Volvo and Alexander Dennis builds on successful earlier work between the three companies, under which 78 Alexander Dennis Enviro400XLB on Volvo B8L chassis – built to a different specification – were supplied to Lothian Buses in 2018 and 2019.

Lothian Buses also plans to order 40 zero-emission double-deckers from the two manufacturers, with Alexander Dennis placing its next-generation Enviro400EV body on the Volvo BZL electric chassis. Procurement of these vehicles is subject to confirmation of grant funding allocation to Lothian Buses from the Scottish Government’s third-round Scottish Zero-Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB3).