The Government has revealed the 13 local bidders that will receive a share of a £30m cash pot to buy low emission buses and install chargepoints and other infrastructure.
Transport authorities were among the main winners from the cash, which will add 326 buses to fleets – including electric, hybrid, hydrogen and biomethane buses – and more than £7m worth of infrastructure.
Transport for London was awarded around £5m for 34 electric buses, including £416,000 for related infrastructure.
Mersyetravel was the next big winner with £4.9m towards 72 biomethane, electric and hybrid buses, including around £280,000 for infrastructure.
Transport minister Andrew Jones said: ‘My message is clear – greener buses are good for passengers and good for British business.
‘Low emission buses have already proved to be a real success across the country. They are cost efficient, good for the environment, and there are wider benefits.
‘We have provided more than £2bn of funding to greener transport schemes since 2011, and by supporting this technology the Government is ensuring the UK is driving innovation and investment up and down the country.’
Department for Transport officials claimed that low emission buses produce at least 15% lower greenhouse gas emissions than the average modern diesel bus but typically cost significantly more.
The Government funding will cover up to 90% of the difference in cost between a new bus and its diesel equivalent, as well as up to 75% of the cost of infrastructure.
Full list of winners here.
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