British electric intercity bus operator Ember has secured a £5.6 million loan from Triodos Bank UK to bolster its fleet of zero-emission coaches, aiming to enhance its service across Scotland.
Established in 2020 with two electric coaches running between Dundee and Edinburgh, Ember has rapidly expanded its network to include routes connecting Glasgow, Stirling, and Kinross. The acquisition of 14 additional electric buses will increase Ember’s fleet to 38 vehicles, facilitating more passenger trips per week and further expanding its route coverage.
“This funding from Triodos Bank UK underscores our commitment to supporting the transition to a low carbon economy,” said Norrie Cruickshank, senior relationship manager at Triodos Bank UK. “Partnering with Ember, a pioneer in electrifying transport, aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals.”
Triodos Bank UK has been a longstanding supporter of Ember, initially funding its first two electric coaches through the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). Additional funding totaling £4.7 million has been provided through CBILS and the government-backed Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS).
Ember has also received funding from Transport for Scotland under the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZeb), highlighting collaborative efforts to advance sustainable public transport solutions.
“Triodos have been instrumental since our inception,” noted Keith Bradbury, co-founder at Ember. “Their continued support has been pivotal as we’ve grown, adapting to meet our evolving needs and long-term ambitions.”
Ember’s journey began humbly in 2019 with a single vehicle and ambitious plans. “Back in 2019, we started with virtually nothing,” Bradbury recalled. “Despite initial challenges, the support from partners like Yutong and Pelican enabled us to launch our first route in 2020 and expand significantly since then.”
The new additions to Ember’s fleet include 14 models of the Yutong GTe14, known for enhanced passenger comfort with increased seating capacity and expanded luggage space. Ember has also introduced amenities such as onboard WiFi and real-time route information, aiming to improve the passenger experience.
