Council’s First Fully Electric Bus Hits the Road

Published: 25 March 2026

Photo of the electric bus

New bus and new money saving deals for passengers

A major step toward greener, cleaner public transport has been reached this week as the Highland Council’s first fully electric bus takes to the roads in Inverness.

The new vehicle, a 46‑seat coach, is fully electric and wheelchair accessible, reflecting the Council’s commitment to both sustainability and inclusivity. The coach will serve a variety of roles across the city, including home‑to‑school transport, public bus routes, and internal school hires, helping reduce emissions across several service areas.

Paul Reid, the Council’s Chief Officer for Facilities and Fleet Management said: “The introduction of the new electric coach marks a significant milestone in the Council’s wider transition toward low‑carbon transport. By replacing traditional diesel vehicles, the electric coach is expected to reduce carbon emissions, cut fuel costs, and improve the passenger experience with quieter and smoother journeys.”

Adding to the positive news for local travellers, the Council is set to launch a new £5 City Day Rider ticket from Monday 6 April. From this date passengers will be able to enjoy unlimited travel across all routes operated by Highland Council buses within the city, offering an affordable option for commuters, students, and families alike.

The new ticket, which will be available to purchase from bus drivers or via the MyTrip app, is designed to make public transport more accessible and cost‑effective, supporting efforts to encourage more people to leave the car at home and choose sustainable travel options.

Paul added: “The new electric bus and our £5 day ticket deal marks a strong step forward in improving public transport, delivering greener journeys, better value, and enhanced accessibility for communities across the city.”

Passengers on council run buses can also benefit from a £2 cap on single fares introduced in Highland yesterday (23 March 2026) as part of a national 12-month pilot.