Scottish Government makes extra £25m available for green buses
Wed 20 January 2021
View all news
A further £25m funding has been made available by the Scottish Government to encourage the adoption of clean, green buses through a second round of the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme.
The scheme, which opened in August last year, provides support to bus operators and manufactures who want to transition to zero emission vehicles. It also aims to help drive a green recovery out of Covid-19 pandemic.
The first round secured £10.8 million to fund infrastructure to support the running of ultra-low emission buses across Scotland and 62 new buses, 35 of which are being manufactured in Scotland. This further round of funding is expected to support around 140 new battery-electric buses and associated infrastructure.
Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson (quoted by Bus and Coach Buyer), said: “It’s an extremely unsettling time for the industry which plays a key role in keeping Scotland moving during the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope this additional funding will provide support to our vital bus operators and manufactures and at the same time help drive forward a green recovery in Scotland and our world leading climate targets."
Chair of the Just Transition Commission (and LowCVP launch director), Jim Skea, said: “Investing in our bus services can play a vital role in delivering a just transition to net zero, particularly as we look to rebuild following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The announcement today is a welcome vote of confidence in the future of our public transport system, which provides vital services to so many and will play a key part in helping to bring emissions down in this sector. It will also give a much needed boost to the world-leading supply chain we have here in Scotland.”
The LowCVP has a very active Bus Working Group, including several representatives with operations in Scotland. To find more information about the Group and its current projects and activities, visit this page.
Related Links
< Back to news list