England gets funds for over 500 low carbon buses

The money is part of the Government’s drive to target investment in new projects that promote green growth and encourage use of sustainable local transport.

Through the scheme, called the Green Bus Fund, bus operators and local authorities bid for the grants to help them purchase the low carbon buses.

20 bus operators and six local authorities have bid successfully for funding. The majority (97%) of the buses are hybrid-electric vehicles with the remainder being all-electric buses.

Green, low carbon hybrid-electric buses supported by the Fund are already in operation in London, Manchester, Oxford and Reading. Electric buses supported by the Fund are operating in Durham.

Transport minister, Norman Baker, said: “My vision is for a transport system that cuts carbon and creates growth.

“Low carbon buses emit around 30 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than standard diesel buses and use around a third less fuel – that is why it was so important to kick-start the market.

“They also represent an important and developing industry – both in this country and throughout the world – which has the potential to create jobs and boost economic growth.

“Green buses are therefore an absolute no brainer – they are the perfect combination of targeted investment that help people make the transport choices that are good for society as a whole.”

Alison Brown