£2 million for Scotland’s Green Buses

Over the last three years the Scottish Green Bus Fund has allowed bus operators to purchase 94 low carbon buses, which are able to deliver 30 per cent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as compared with typical Euro III diesel buses, along with significant fuel savings.

Around £2 million has been made available this financial year for the Green Bus Fund 4 which is expected to see a further 20-25 green buses on Scotland’s roads.

Details will be published shortly with bus operators, local authorities and Regional Transport Partnerships invited to submit applications for funding.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said:

"The Scottish Government is committed to public transport and to our ambitious climate change target of reducing carbon emissions by 42 per cent by 2020.

“In accord with this commitment, around £8 million has been awarded to bus operators for the purchase of low carbon buses since the scheme was launched in 2010.

"The Scottish Green Bus Fund is helping our bus industry invest in the latest emission reducing technology and is another clear indication of our support and commitment to the bus industry in Scotland.

“Low carbon transport benefits us all through an improved environment and a strong public transport network plays a part in this, as well as cutting congestion on the roads and making them safer for all users.”

The Scottish Green Bus Fund aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and accessibility and encourage modal shift. Feedback from the first round of the scheme shows substantial fuel savings and reduced emissions.

Gavin Booth, Senior Officer of Bus Users Scotland said:

“We applaud the Scottish Government’s on-going support to encourage bus operators to invest in eco-friendly buses.

“These are welcomed by bus users and by the community generally as an important contribution to improving the environment and the quality of life in Scotland’s towns and cities.”