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New Green Bus Depot Boosts Local Employment Opportunities
Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change officially opened a new Stagecoach Bluebird bus depot in Insch, Aberdeenshire yesterday (Wednesday).

The environmentally friendly depot is now the base to over 30 buses which operate throughout the area with plans for the fleet size to increase further over the next year. Located within Insch Business Park, the depot covers over 6000 square metres and includes on site engineering and maintenance facilities.

Whilst constructing the depot, Stagecoach and Andrew Cowie Construction worked hard to keep environmental factors in mind. As a result, the depot uses a Geothermal Climate System to heat the building. In addition, depot insulation is over and above the recommended requirements and rainwater taken from the roof of the building is harvested to a tank and used in the Chassis Wash.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "I am delighted to open this new facility. This depot will deliver real benefits for local communities, ensuring the very best standards of service for all.

Today is a win, win for Scotland�s environment - a new depot built with the environment in mind and the securing of bus services for the area. As Minister for both climate change and transport, that is something I am pleased to see.

This Scottish Government want to encourage more people to use public transport, walk and cycle, instead of the car.

The services on offer here will give people that choice - allowing them to choose to leave their car at home whenever possible. That has got to be good news for our environment."

Charlie Mullen, Managing Director, Stagecoach Bluebird said: "We are delighted to be officially opening this new depot which has good on site facilities for both the engineering and driving staff. With plans to increase the size of the fleet in the near future, we also hope to further recruit driving staff from the local area."

Stagecoach win two top Awards at Scottish Transport Awards
Stagecoach are celebrating winning two top awards at the Scottish Transport Awards 2007, which were held in Glasgow on Monday 29 October.

Stagecoach in Fife was successful in picking up the Information & Marketing Award in recognition of successful marketing activity on the Taylink 99 service which operates between St Andrews and Dundee. The service has seen a huge increase in passenger numbers (over 43% to date) since it was re-launched in May 2006.

Stagecoach Bluebird, in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, was awarded the Bus Award for the Stonehaven Quality Bus Corridor and Coastrider service as a result of a successful Quality Partnership initiative between Aberdeenshire Council and Stagecoach Bluebird.

Robert Andrew, Regional Director, Stagecoach Scotland, said: "Strong partnerships and innovative marketing are at the heart of our success in getting Scots back on board the bus.

"We are delighted our company and our people have been recognised for their achievements in transforming public transport in Scotland, winning more awards than any other bus operator."

Martin Ford, chairman of Aberdeenshire Council�s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: "We are also delighted to receive the prestigious award for the Stonehaven Quality Bus Corridor and Coastrider service, which recognises the commitment of both partners to provide attractive alternatives to the private car.

"The 19% patronage growth that has been achieved again demonstrates the public�s willingness to use more sustainable transport when services are improved through a partnership approach".

The awards ceremony was supported by the Scottish Government, the Scottish Transport Studies Group, Transport Scotland and the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport to celebrate industry achievements throughout Scotland.

Scottish Region News.

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