Government announces £30 million for low emission buses

The government has announced £30 million worth of funding to support low emission bus technologies across England.

The funding will give bus operators and local authorities the opportunity to invest in low emission buses and install chargepoints and other infrastructure. A total of 13 successful bidders will be able to add 326 low emission buses to their fleets, and install more than £7 million worth of infrastructure.

West Midland Travel has been awarded more than £3 million to fund 10 hybrid and 19 fully electric buses, while Birmingham City Council and Transport for London have jointly won £2.8 million for 42 state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell buses.

The money will also fund a number of biomethane buses, with Nottingham City Transport recieving £4.4 million for 53 biomethane buses and infrastructure and Merseytravel receiving £4.9 million for a total of 72 biomethane, hybrid or electric buses and associated infrastructure.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “My message is clear – greener buses are good for passengers and good for British business.

“Low emission buses have already proved to be a real success across the country. They are cost efficient, good for the environment, and there are wider benefits. We have provided more than £2 billion of funding to greener transport schemes since 2011, and by supporting this technology the government is ensuring the UK is driving innovation and investment up and down the country.”