More low carbon vehicles for Scotland’s bus fleet
Nine bus operators have been awarded funding through round five of the Scottish Green Bus Fund.
This year’s successful bidders include; First Glasgow, Wilson’s of Rhu, Secure Airparks, First Scotland East, Lothian Buses, Stagecoach North Scotland, Deveron Coaches, Orkney Islands Council.
It will bring the total number of low carbon vehicles in Scotland’s eco-friendly bus fleet to 209. Performance returns from operators confirm that buses purchased through the Fund are delivering significant fuel savings and reduced emissions.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said:
“I am encouraged by the interest in this year’s Scottish Green Bus Fund which will contribute to another 83 low carbon emission vehicles on Scotland’s roads.
“This fund is helping our bus industry invest in the latest emission reducing technology and is another clear indication of our support and commitment to the bus industry in Scotland.
“The Scottish Government is committed to public transport and to our ambitious climate change target of reducing carbon emissions by 42 per cent by 2020.”
Dave Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First UK Bus in Scotland and North England, said:
"This is welcome news for customers travelling with First Glasgow and First Scotland East. The Scottish Green Bus Fund is a fantastic initiative and will support our £7.8m investment in 52 state of the art green vehicles. We're especially pleased to welcome electric buses into our Scottish fleet for the first time.
"Bus travel is part of the solution to climate change and congestion. At First we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and in partnership with manufacturers helped bring to market 'Streetlite micro-hybrid' vehicles, one of the world's most fuel efficient buses, which are already in service in Glasgow, Scotland East and Aberdeen. Scottish Green Bus funding will help us invest in a further 43 of these buses."
The Scottish Green Bus Fund aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and accessibility and encourage modal shift.
Background:
- The Scottish Green Bus Fund was first launched on 5 July 2010 and was developed to incentivise the purchase of Low Carbon Vehicles (LCV).
- LCVs reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent compared to standard diesel vehicles.
- Feedback from the first round of the scheme shows substantial fuel savings and reduced emissions.
- The fund has provided grant totalling £10.1 million that has assisted bus operators in the purchase of 126 new low carbon emission buses (LCEBs).
- Round 3 saw the first bid for funding from a Regional Transport Partnership, SWestrans. The bid from SWestrans was accepted and the RTP received funding of £96,288 to help secure the purchase of the first all - electric bus to be purchased through assistance from the Fund.
- This latest round of funding (Round 5) is the largest amount ever allocated to the Fund.
Successful applicants of the Scottish Green Bus Fund (SGBF5):
- First Glasgow - 4 Enviro 350H Virtual electric buses/43 Wrightbus StreetLite micro-hybrids
- Wilson’s of Rhu Ltd - 2 Wrightbus Streetlite micro-hybrids
- Secure Airparks Ltd - 2 Wrightbus StreetLite micro-hybrids (9.5m Euro V)
- First Scotland East - 5 Enviro 400 MMC hybrids (ADL)
- Lothian Buses Ltd - 20 single deck hybrid buses Enviro/ Volvo
- Stagecoach North Scotland - 5 Optare Solo all electric
- Deveron Coaches Ltd - 1 Optare Solo all electric
- Orkney Islands Council - 1 Optare Solo all electric
Contact Caroline Trainer at Press Transport Scotland on 0141 272 7195