Over 80% of Whippet’s bus fleet now Euro VI or zero-emission as Volvo fleet renewal continues

Cambridge-based bus operator Whippet is continuing its fleet renewal programme despite uncertainty surrounding the introduction of bus franchising in Cambridgeshire, with its diesel fleet now consisting exclusively of Volvo vehicles and more than 80% of its total fleet meeting Euro VI or zero tailpipe-emission standards.

According to the operator, the latest vehicle acquisitions have brought its average fleet age to what it believes is the lowest among bus operators in Cambridgeshire. The company has not disclosed the number of vehicles recently acquired, the total investment value or the current average age of its fleet.

The investment programme covers vehicle renewal, the deployment of Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) technology and driver safety initiatives. Whippet has also received a Gold Award in the Environmental and Sustainability category at the Huntingdonshire Business Awards.

Whippet is also involved in the £3.88 million Commercialising Connector autonomous bus project in Cambridge, alongside Alexander Dennis and Fusion Processing. The programme includes upgrading an Enviro100AEV electric bus operated by Whippet to SAE Level 4 autonomous driving capability and introducing an Enviro200AEV equipped with the same technology. In August 2024, Whippet also partnered with FlixBus and Zenobē to trial a battery-electric coach service between London and Cambridge. The six-week trial used a Yutong GTe14 electric coach on a route covering approximately 200 km per round trip.

Whippet standardises diesel bus fleet on Volvo vehicles

Whippet has continued renewing its diesel fleet through the acquisition of Volvo buses, extending its existing relationship with the manufacturer’s local dealership.

Following the latest acquisitions, the operator’s diesel fleet is now entirely composed of Volvo vehicles, with the company identifying maintenance consistency, parts availability and technical support among the operational aspects of its fleet standardisation programme.

Fleet renewal is taking place while the future organisation of bus services in Cambridgeshire remains subject to uncertainty surrounding the introduction of a franchising system. Whippet states that its vehicle investment programme is continuing independently of the prospective changes to the local bus operating framework.

Intelligent Speed Assist installed on almost 60% of Whippet’s diesel fleet

Alongside vehicle acquisitions, Whippet is expanding the deployment of Intelligent Speed Assist technology across its operations.

According to the company, ISA systems are now active on almost 60% of its diesel fleet. The technology provides drivers with assistance in complying with speed limits during operation.

The programme includes Volvo’s ISA technology, which has also been used to support drivers operating on the Cambridgeshire guided busway, according to Volvo Bus UK & Ireland.

Whippet has additionally joined the ROSCO Safe Driver Awards scheme, which recognises driving performance and safe driving practices among professional drivers.

Over 80% of Whippet’s fleet is Euro VI or zero tailpipe-emission

Whippet reports that more than 80% of its total fleet now consists of vehicles meeting the Euro VI emissions standard or operating with zero tailpipe emissions.

In brief

• What is Whippet investing in? Volvo diesel buses, Intelligent Speed Assist systems and driver safety initiatives.
• What proportion of Whippet’s diesel fleet has ISA? Almost 60%, according to the operator.
• How much of Whippet’s fleet meets Euro VI or zero-emission standards? More than 80% of the total fleet.
• What is the status of Whippet’s diesel fleet? It now consists exclusively of Volvo buses.

Whippet Managing Director Ed Cameron said: “The bus industry in Cambridgeshire is entering a period of significant change, but our commitment to passengers remains unchanged. While there is uncertainty about how services may be delivered in future, we continue to invest in our fleet, our people and the technology that underpins safe and reliable operations. We are particularly proud to now have one of the youngest bus fleets in the county. At the same time, we are continuing to enhance safety through initiatives such as Intelligent Speed Assist and the ROSCO driver awards scheme. These investments demonstrate our confidence in the long-term future of bus travel and our determination to provide customers with cleaner, safer and more dependable services.”

Volvo Bus UK & Ireland Sales Director Richard Mann added: “We’re pleased to be supporting Whippet as it continues to invest in its fleet and in the service it provides to passengers across Cambridgeshire. Safety is a priority for both of us, so it’s great to see our technology make a real difference. Having demonstrated how ISA gives drivers extra support while operating on the guided busway, it’s pleasing to see operators apply this across their wider network to deliver further safety improvements.”