News / Shetland’s first electric bus
A REMOTE Shetland community got its hands on the islands’ first electric minibus on Wednesday morning, when Fetlar development worker Robert Thomson drove a brand new converted Ford Transit off the NorthLink ferry.
The £84,000 bus, modified for disabled access, will improve public transport and help the small community to build up its green credentials.
Thomson said the vehicle would provide a dial-a-bus service, but could be hired to carry people between the Fetlar ferry terminal and the populated end of the island.
“We do have the dial a ride service, which is great at what it does but is limited to runs to and from the ferry,” he said.
“The minibus will offer the community opportunities outside of the dial a ride, for example community events or additional services.”
Fetlar hit the headlines a few years ago when the population suddenly dropped below 50, a fraction of its peak of around 860 in the 19th century.
Since then a community development company has been successful in attracting new blood to the island and significantly increased the number of visitors.
A wind energy project to power the vehicle aims to make the island carbon neutral and provide fuel.
Thomson said: “Once the planned turbines are in place, we will have a virtually zero carbon transport solution, and a source of free fuel.
“We hope it will prove a draw with tourists as it will be the only electric minibus in Shetland and one of only a very few in Scotland.”
The project was realised with financial assistance from the Scottish government, Shetland Islands Council and LEADER, with more help from Yell-based bus operator RG Jamieson & Son.
“We are extremely indebted to Shetland Charitable Trust who provided essential bridging finance to allow us to proceed with the project which has been around 95 per cent funded from external and private sources,” Thomson added.
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