The Scottish Government has announced that an additional £25
million is being made available 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 and also 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 the
country 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.
It will allow the public transport sector to help meet Scotland’s
legislative emission reduction targets and work towards tackling
climate change.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and
Connectivity said:
“Following on from the success of the first round of the Scottish
Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme launched last summer, I’m pleased
to announce a further £25 million for the bus sector.
“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.
“We have already provided over £100 million to increase and
maintain bus services and priority infrastructure measures during
the COVID-19 pandemic."
Chair of the Just Transition Commission 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.”
Further information and guidance is available on theTransport
Scotlandwebsite – with organisations able to apply from
Friday 22 January.
