Hundreds of green buses to hit England's roads

Date: 6/4/2011

Hundreds of new green buses are to join fleets across England, as a result of government funding.

More than £46 million will be made available to get 542 of the low-carbon vehicles on to the country's roads, with all regions expected to benefit from the initiative.

According to the Department for Transport, 20 bus operators have received a portion of the funding, along with six local councils and it is hoped all of the vehicles will be in service by 2012.

Minister Norman Baker, who made the announcement, said: "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."

He added that the vehicles are representative of a developing sector that could potentially boost economic growth and create jobs.

As a result, he called green buses "a no-brainer".

Last month, Transport for London revealed that it is to invest in 90 new hybrid buses to add to its current fleet.

Posted by Nick Anderson