New £120m zero emission bus scheme launches

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced the launch of a new scheme that will enable local transport authorities to purchase zero-emission buses.

Up to £120m is being made available which will deliver up to 500 buses through the Zero Emissions Buses Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme.

This will support the government’s wider commitment to introduce 4,000 zero-emission buses.

To ensure that the funding is used quickly to help provide British bus manufacturers with an injection of orders, the Government is calling on a consortium of local transport authorities, energy companies, bus operators and manufacturers to come together to work up strong cases for funding.

Bidders will have until 21 May 2021 to submit Expressions of Interest for a Fast Track process – which will allow local transport authorities with well-developed proposals to move quickly in their bid to secure funding.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, said: ‘We’ve set out our vision of how we’re going to make buses better in this country, and now we’re getting on with delivering it.

‘The launch of the scheme today means we’re giving businesses and local authorities the tools to help deliver the 4,000 zero-emission buses we said we would introduce, which will dramatically improve air quality in towns and cities across the country, helping us achieve our net-zero ambitions.’

Jane Gratton, head of people policy at the British Chamber of Commerce, added: ‘The BCC very much welcomes investment in initiatives that boost public transport infrastructure and the UK’s drive towards Net-Zero.

‘This is a welcome injection of cash and confidence for businesses in this sector and for towns and cities across the country. Access to affordable, reliable and greener public transport will be a key to re-building local economies.’

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