The Scottish Government’s Green Bus Fund is making £1.7million available to operators, local authorities and regional transport partnerships.
The fund, now in its eighth year, aims to encourage the introduction of more low carbon emission buses on to Scotland’s roads. The previous seven annual rounds of funding have provided over £16million, which has seen more than 360 green buses introduced.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Bus services are at the heart of Scottish public transport. Of the 524million public transport journeys made in 2016-17, an incredible 75% were made by bus.
That is why when it comes to improving the environment and the quality of the air in our towns and cities, it can only be achieved by working in partnership with bus operators to evolve and encourage a greener fleet.”
He continued: “I’m proud we continue to spend nearly a quarter of a billion pounds a year in grants to support the network and promote the take up of new greener buses through the highly successful Scottish Green Bus Fund, which has already brought hundreds of greener buses into our communities.
“This is why I’m pleased to announce this latest round of funding to ensure buses continue to be an important part of the solution to the issue of air quality.”
The Scottish Government said operators of low carbon buses also remain eligible for an enhanced rate of the Bus Service Operators Grant.