This is the largest investment yet through the SULEBS
programme, and will support operators in replacing 215 old
diesel buses with new battery-electric models. This is a
substantial increase on the 57 buses supported through the
first round and to help meet demand, the intended budget for
this second round has been increased by £15 million.
With 172 of the buses to be built in Falkirk, this investment
supports skilled, green manufacturing jobs in Scotland, as well
as reducing transport emissions.
The Scottish Government has also published a new information
and ideas pack which shows how the bus and finance sectors are
innovating to speed up the transition to net-zero. This is the
first report from The Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce, which
brings together senior leaders from the energy, bus and finance
sectors to co-design a pathway to a fully decarbonised bus
fleet. The information pack identifies new routes for financing
green buses that can build on government support and bring
about faster fleet transformation.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and
Connectivity
said:
“The Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme continues to help
drive a green recovery, responding to the global climate
emergency and improving air quality.
“Ensuring a just and fair transition to a net-zero economy is a
truly national endeavour and I’m delighted that the Scottish
Government’s investment is matched by private investment from
bus operators and the finance sector. 172 of these new buses
will be manufactured in Falkirk – benefitting the Scottish bus
industry and wider supply chain.
“More journeys are made by bus compared to any other public
transport mode and a vibrant bus industry can provide the
solutions to complex challenges in our society. By helping
operators to invest in a greener fleet we can support our green
recovery – and keep more people moving with fewer carbon
emissions and better air quality as a result.
“Our bus decarbonisation work, both through SULEBS and the
Taskforce, is part of a wider package of support for our bus
industry – including long-term funding of over £500 million for
bus priority infrastructure. We’re also providing support of up
to £191.3 to help maintain essential services during the
COVID-19 pandemic and help keep Scotland moving.”
, Alexander
Dennis President & Managing Director said: “The
Scottish Government deserves huge credit for leading by example
to support bus operator’s commitment to invest in cleaner,
greener buses and we are delighted that bids for 172 of our
electric buses have been successful.
“These zero emission buses will be built at our factory in
Falkirk and therefore ensure this Scottish Government
investment is made domestically, allowing the benefits to be
felt across our communities whilst helping to underpin skilled
jobs. We very much look forward to working with the successful
operators to finalise terms and get these vehicles into service
at pace.”
, Director at CPT Scotland said: “This
announcement highlights the commitment of Scotland’s bus sector
to decarbonisation. The £40.5m awarded by Government will be
met with investment of over £80m from bus companies to fund
these 215 vehicles.
“CPT will continue to work with Scottish Government to create
an operating environment that prioritises sustainable and
active travel, frees buses from congestion and maximises the
benefits of this investment.”
Dave Moxham – Deputy General Secretary for the STUC and
member of the Just Transition Commission said: “I am
delighted to see that all of the ADL buses will be manufactured
in Falkirk. This is positive news for the workers who through
their union have been working hard to achieve this.
“There is no doubt that we need to build on our existing
domestic manufacture if we are to ensure that Scotland can be
at the forefront of a net-zero industrial revolution.
“This announcement is an example of the kind of interventions
we need if we are to embark on a real green recovery.”
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/
To read more about the information and ideas pack, the first
publication from the Bus Decarbonisation Task Force, visit the
Zemo Partnership
webpage.
To find out more about how the Scottish Government is working
to decarbonise the transport sector, visit the Transport
Scotland website: www.transport.gov.scot/MissionZero
