Scottish Government adding £2.5m to buy eco-friendly buses

Date: 27/9/2012

Bus companies in Scotland are being encouraged to purchase environmentally friendly buses, with the Scottish Government pledging an extra £2.5 million as an incentive.

The additional funds, which were announced by Keith Brown, Transport Minister, are part of the Scottish Green Bus Fund, reports the BBC.

So far the initiative has seen the buying of more than 70 low-carbon buses and by applying for a chunk of the cash, bus operators will be able to afford to purchase more.

Since 2010 when the scheme was announced, there has been £9.2 million invested in it and 74 buses running on an alternative to diesel have hit Scotland’s streets.

Mr Brown said: "The Scottish Green Bus Fund has already been a huge success and is further evidence of everything this government continues to do to support the bus industry, how we are working to meet our ambitious climate change targets and our investment in supporting Scottish jobs.”

The buses are more efficient and environmentally friendly, using 60 per cent less fuel and creating 30 per cent fewer emissions than the traditional diesel-run vehicles.

Mr Brown said: "Green Buses also help operators to keep their running costs down thanks to the massive reductions in fuel consumption and this can only be good news for passengers.”

Alexander Dennis Limited, a bus manufacturer based in Falkirk, said that its hybrid technology would move on even further in 2013.

This could lead to its buses becoming 70 per cent more efficient with regards to fuel consumption over traditional alternatives, one step better than the current 60 per cent experienced currently.

Colin Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of the firm, said: "These are vehicles that keep their promises and can make a huge contribution towards clean-air initiatives in city environments."

Mr Brown added: "We want the people of Scotland to experience the very real benefits of green buses and this announcement will have a huge impact on that ambition."

Posted by Nick Anderson

International Transport News and Sustainable Transport News