Bus Services Initiate Shared Electric Vehicle Charging Program

First Bus, a subsidiary of FirstGroup plc, a British multinational transport group based in Aberdeen, Scotland, has unveiled its new public-facing, ultra-rapid charging hub at its Caledonia depot in Glasgow. This move is part of the company's ambitious plan to achieve a zero-emission fleet by 2035, having already invested over £320m towards this goal.

The Glasgow depot, now a key player in the First Charge program, offers charge points for up to 34 fleet and consumer vehicles simultaneously. Operating between 9:00 and 16:30, the depot charges at an introductory rate of 0.39 GBP/kWh.

First Bus is leveraging its position as an industry leader to share its charging infrastructure and accelerate decarbonisation. The First Charge program, which includes the Glasgow depot, is intended to aid other users in moving towards electrification faster.

The shared charging initiative, now branded under First Charge, supports a wide range of payment options, including contactless, roaming cards, and apps like Fuuse, Paua, Electroverse, and Allstar. This accessibility is a strategic move to encourage more electric vehicle (EV) usage and facilitate a smoother transition to a zero-emission fleet.

Janette Bell, the CEO of First Bus, as of mid-2025, expressed her excitement about the launch, stating, "We're proud to lead the way in the transition to a greener, more sustainable future. Our ultra-rapid charging hub in Glasgow is just the beginning, as we continue to invest in and develop our plug-in charging infrastructure across England and Scotland."

With 15 depots across England and Scotland now part of the First Charge program, First Bus is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the electrification of transportation. As the company moves closer to its 2035 goal, it invites all EV users to take advantage of its charging facilities and join in the mission to create a cleaner, greener future.