DfT pledges £5m to Clean Bus Technology Fund

Date: 5/6/2013

Local Transport Minister Norman Baker has revealed that the (DfT) Department for Transport will provide £5 million to support efforts to reduce pollution from local buses.

Dubbed the Clean Bus Technology Fund, the scheme will see local authorities bid for grants of up to £1 million in order to upgrade buses by fitting them with cleaner engines and emission-cutting technology.

The programme is in addition to the Green Bus Fund, which was given a £12 million boost by the DfT towards the end of last month as it outlined plans for the introduction of 213 new low carbon buses on the nation's roads.

Mr Baker said that in addition to the environmental benefits, the initiative will also provide an economic stimulus and help to create jobs.

"Improving air quality is important for the coalition government. This £5 million scheme will help clean up emissions from older buses in some of our most polluted urban areas," he added.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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