The Scottish Government has awarded £7.4 million through the
first round of the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme.
The initiative helps bus operators invest in ultra-low emission
vehicles and infrastructure – supporting a green recovery out of
the COVID-19 crisis, furthering our ambitions for a net-zero
economy and improving air quality through a greener fleet.
41 ultra-low emission buses will be supported across five bids.
35 of the buses will be built in Scotland – supporting jobs and
the wider Scottish supply chain.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and
Connectivity said:
“The Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme is providing economic
stimulus to help drive a green recovery, responding to the
climate emergency whilst improving air quality. I’m pleased that
35 of these new buses will be manufactured in Scotland, helping
to support jobs and our bus manufacturing sector.
“366 million bus journeys were made in 2019, which demonstrates
the value of our bus sector and supply chain in keeping Scotland
moving. It also reinforces the key role that buses play every day
in supporting the wider vision outlined in our National Transport
Strategy.
“To help support bus operators and passengers, we’re also
providing up to £109 million to increase and maintain bus
services and £10 million for bus priority infrastructure
measures. In addition, we have maintained concessionary travel
payments and Bus Service Operator Grants at pre-COVID levels and
have provided £9.75 million to fund exhaust retrofits and help
with the costs in moving to Low Emission Zones.”
, Alexander
Dennis President & Managing Director said: “As
Britain’s leading manufacturer of clean buses, we welcome the
Scottish Government’s award of funding for ultra-low emission
buses, which will contribute to Scotland’s green recovery.
"This is a much appreciated first step in stimulating urgently
needed demand for new buses and we look forward to building 35
electric buses here in Scotland. Delivering cleaner air and
reducing carbon emissions, they will set a great example for
further investment in a better future for all. At Alexander
Dennis, we have the capacity, skilled team and commitment to
build the many more low, ultra low and zero emission buses which
our nation needs now.”
John Bynorth from Environmental Protection Scotland and
coordinator for Scotland’s Clean Air Day on Thursday 8 October
2020, said: “We welcome this funding announcement of
support for 41 ultra-low emission buses which will help continue
to drive forward the improvements in air quality in Scotland’s
towns and cities.
“It is vital that people are encouraged to get back on buses once
the COVID-19 crisis is over and are aware of the environmental
benefits of leaving the car at home.
“Cleaner, greener buses and good transport infrastructure, such
as bus lanes to speed up bus journey times, all play an important
part in Scotland's sustainable economic recovery after COVID-19.”
More information on the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme,
including successful bids, can be found on the Transport Scotland
website: https://www.transport.gov.scot/public-transport/buses/scottish-ultra-low-emission-bus-scheme/
