£45 million for zero emission buses
The Scottish Government has awarded £45 million through the third Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB3). This investment will bring over 330 zero emission vehicles to Scotland’s operators, alongside the installation of charging infrastructure.
Additionally, the Scottish Government is continuing to examine options for a regulatory approach through the UK Bus Services Act 2025. This would apply from a date no earlier than 2030, to further support the phased uptake of zero emission buses on local services. This would contribute significantly to reducing the emissions from heavy duty vehicles in Scotland and encourage more passengers to choose bus as a sustainable public transport option.
These awards mark the conclusion of funding from the Scottish Government to support large operators to make the transition to zero emission vehicles. This latest investment builds on the success of previous rounds of similar schemes. Across ScotZEB and the Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme (SULEBS), the Scottish Government has already supported the deployment of around 800 buses and associated charging infrastructure through £154 million of capital funding. In doing so, it has reduced transport emissions and supported a just transition to a net zero transport system – building on the benefits of Scotland’s investment in secure, renewable sources of electricity.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:
This final investment of £45 million from the Scottish Government through ScotZEB3 signals our commitment to a zero emission future for Scotland’s bus sector.
Since 2020, we have invested over £154 million in zero emission buses and infrastructure. This additional £45 million will support the ambition and leadership of operators that seek to decarbonise their operations as quickly as possible. It also helps ensure that the bus sector can access the benefits of Scotland’s investment in secure, renewable sources of electricity.
With every £1 of public funding leveraging over £2.50 of private investment, ScotZEB3 has demonstrated that government and industry can work together to deliver transformative climate action.
The programme is not only reducing emissions – it’s supporting jobs and our economy, connecting communities across Scotland and improving the experience for passengers across the country.
Full details of the awards can be found on the Transport Scotland website.
These awards follow the publication of the Scottish Government’s final Climate Change Plan. It includes over 150 actions across sectors like transport, heat in buildings and agriculture which are key to achieving Scotland’s net zero goal. It describes how Scotland will seize and fairly distribute the opportunities from the transition to net zero – from new jobs, inclusive growth and better infrastructure to improved public services and healthier people – thanks to cleaner air, warmer homes and wealthier communities. The Climate Change Plan can be accessed on the Scottish Government website.
Background
ScotZEB3 will bring 334 zero emission vehicles into the Scottish fleet – made up of 107 coaches and 227 buses. Zero emission buses improve air quality in towns and cities while reducing overall transport emissions. Zero emission coaches are essential for longer distance and rural services that operate across Scotland.
First Bus will be repowering 15 double‑deck buses through KleanDrive and purchasing 22 new Yutong double‑deck vehicles.
Rock Road will purchase 14 ADL double‑deck buses, along with 69 ADL and 10 Wrightbus single‑deck vehicles.
Ember’s award will purchase 100 Yutong coaches.
Stagecoach will be purchasing 7 Yutong coaches, 21 Yutong single‑deck buses and 16 Yutong double‑deck buses.
Lothian will purchase 40 Volvo/ADL double‑deck buses and 20 Wrightbus double‑deck buses.
Rock Road
- Total project cost: £40,067,289
- Public investment: £11,500,317.08
- Private investment: £28,566,971.92
Stagecoach
- Total project cost: £17,931,708
- Public investment: £4,568,280.40
- Private investment: £13,363,427.60
Lothian
- Total project cost: £33,700,000
- Public investment: £9,567,260
- Private investment: £24,132,740
Ember
- Total project cost: £53,790,510
- Public investment: £13,174,147
- Private investment: £40,616,363
First Bus
- Total project cost: £18,103,000
- Public investment: £5,989,966
- Private investment: £12,113,034