Three Scottish bus operators will add 46 low carbon vehicles to their fleets thanks to assistance from the latest round of the Scottish Green Bus Fund (SGBF), which was announced by Transport Minister Humza Yousaf on October 4.
Speaking at the CPT Conference in Cameron House Hotel, Loch Lomond, the Minister announced the latest round of SGBF funding, worth around £2m.
Since it was first introduced, the SGBF has supported the purchase of 269 low carbon emission buses across Scotland. The operators to benefit this time around are First Scotland East, Lothian Buses and Stagecoach East Scotland.
Humza Yousaf said: “The Scottish Government is committed to reducing our carbon emissions and one way to do this is by introducing cleaner transport such as these buses.
“Not only are they more environmentally friendly, they are also more attractive and quieter, plus points in our efforts to encourage more people out of their cars and onto public transport.
“The SGBF is also helping our public transport partners invest in the latest emission reducing technology and is another clear indication of our support and commitment to the bus industry in Scotland.”
Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director, of Stagecoach East Scotland, said: “We are committed to improving public transport in Angus and Dundee and I am therefore delighted that we have been successful in our bid for this Scottish Green Bus funding towards improving our green bus fleet.
“These new vehicles will complement our existing 18 electric hybrid buses already in the area, helping reduce our environmental impact and we look forward to introducing them to our customers on the 20/21 routes in the Spring.”
Richard Hall, Managing Director of Lothian Buses, said: “This is excellent news for our customers and the wider Edinburgh community.
“We already have one of the most modern fleets in the country and this latest investment will reduce our environmental footprint even more, providing greener and quieter public transport for residents, visitors and workers in the capital.
“We are extremely grateful to the Scottish Government for its support as we continue our journey towards becoming the greenest bus operator in the UK.”
Paul McGowan, Managing Director of First Scotland East, said: “The Scottish Green Bus Fund has been an excellent initiative in assisting operators to upgrade the standard of their vehicles and meet low emissions targets.
“We were delighted to welcome the Transport Minister to the recent launch of our new fleet of state-of-the-art and efficient low carbon vehicles which are now being used on our high frequency services 27/28 between West Lothian and Edinburgh.
“These services are a great example of the partnership working we have undertaken with local authorities and stakeholders as we continue to deliver even greater improvements for our customers.
George Mair, Director of CPT Scotland, said: “Scotland’s bus operators have invested over £200m in improving their fleets over the last five years. The Green Bus Fund has played an important role in supporting a degree of this investment in low carbon vehicles.
“While bus travel is already far more environmentally friendly than travelling by private car, the introduction of more green buses is certainly a positive for passengers and other road users as well as a providing a boost towards meeting Scotland’s air quality targets.”
