Falkirk-based bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) has received a share of an £80 million order for low-emission vehicles from Stagecoach, which is introducing 351 ‘cleaner and greener’ buses and coaches on its networks in England, Scotland and Wales.

ADL (www.alexander-dennis.com) and its Scarborough-based subsidiary Plaxton will build 312 vehicles, including 131 low-floor double-deckers, 95 single-deck vehicles and 28 midi-buses.

Stagecoach chief executive Martin Griffiths said: “This is a huge investment by the private sector in providing better mobility and better air quality for local communities.

“It follows other significant investments that we have made in smart ticketing, improved information for customers and digital technology.”

Perth-based Stagecoach said that “virtually all” of the vehicles meet the UK Government’s specifications for buses with low carbon emissions.

ADL chief executive Colin Robertson said: “This is testament to our significant investment in developing a range of vehicles that meet our customers’ needs.

“The UK bus market has declined by almost a third in the last four years but remains extremely competitive, so every order win is hard-fought.

"A contract of this significance will enable us to continue to invest in our people, processes and products to sustain and grow our business in these challenging times.”