£1.7 million available for green buses

The Scottish Green Bus Fund, now in its eighth year, has opened to bus operators, local authorities and regional transport partnerships. The fund aims to encourage more low carbon emission buses onto Scotland’s roads.

The previous seven rounds of the fund have been successful in providing over £16 million, resulting in over 360 low carbon emission buses joining the Scottish Fleet.

Operators of low carbon buses also remain eligible for an enhanced rate of the Bus Service Operators Grant which further incentivises the uptake and use of green buses.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said:

“Bus services are at the heart of Scottish public transport. Of the 524 million public transport journeys were made in 2016/17, an incredible 75 per cent were made by bus. That is why when it comes to improving the environment and the quality of the air in our towns and cities, it can only be achieved by working in partnership with bus operators to evolve and encourage a greener fleet.

“I’m proud that we continue to spend nearly a quarter of a billion pounds a year in grants to support the network and promote the take up of new greener buses through the highly successful Scottish Green Bus Fund, which has already brought hundreds of greener buses into our communities.

“This is why I’m pleased to announce this latest round of funding to ensure that buses continue to play a key role in keeping Scotland moving while also continuing to be an important part of the solution to the issue of air quality. “

For further details on the Green Bus Fund visit www.transport.gov.scot/public-transport/scottish-green-bus-fund

For details on the Bus Service Operators Grant visit www.transport.gov.scot/public-transport/bus/bus-services-operators-grant