STAGECOACH have spent £3.5 million on 16 double decker electric hybrid buses that will be running through West Fife.

The environmentally-friendly vehicles are already out on the road on the number 7 route, which travels from Dunfermline through Rosyth and Dalgety Bay and along the coast to Leven.

And passengers can also get a good look at the new buses at a ‘Disabled Access Day’, which was to go ahead this Saturday but is now at Halbeath park and ride on Saturday March 30.

The new double deckers are low-floor and easy-access, improving the ease of boarding for customers with mobility restrictions and reducing boarding times for wheelchair users.

They are also fully equipped with leather seats, seatbelts, free wi-fi, USB charging points and contactless payment facilities.

Jon Oakey, acting managing director for Stagecoach East Scotland, said: “Our huge investment in the past year highlights we’re not only committed to improving public transport and reducing our environmental impact, we’re also determined to make our vehicles as easily accessible as possible.

"We would like to invite passengers to our upcoming Disabled Access Day event to try the buses for themselves – details of a family fun event to celebrate the 16 new electric hybrid buses will also be announced in due course."

The electric hybrid vehicles, manufactured by Alexander Dennis Limited, offer greenhouse gas reductions of 30 per cent and are 10-20 per cent more fuel-efficient compared to conventional diesel-powered buses.

They are significantly lighter and quieter than previous models and have an engine stop-start system which allows the engine to turn off and be driven in electric mode.