Leicester has been granted £8m from the Department for Transport (DfT) as part of the council’s ‘Transforming Cities’ work.
£1.6m of this funding will see the introduction of a fleet of electric buses on the city’s three Park & Ride routes running between Birstall and the city centre.
The introduction of the new buses is hoped to cut congestion on the A6 corridor and cut air pollution in the city.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news and allows us to move ahead with these two very significant and ambitious sustainable transport schemes, which offer real, clean alternatives to car travel in the city as well as improved transport links.
“Electrifying the Park & Ride services, starting with the route from Birstall, is a huge step forward in using clean and efficient technology in public transport.”
Cllr Adam Clarke, Deputy City Mayor for Environment and Public Health, said: “Our bids, which the DfT has agreed to fund, are key to making sustainable transport in the city more accessible and more attractive to people.
“We are committed to improving air quality, cutting carbon emissions and further developing sustainable travel in the city, and we can now move forward with these ambitious schemes.”
Blake Pain, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, added: “This is excellent news.
“We welcome the funding announcement and it underlines our joint commitment, along with the city council, to develop schemes which promote walking and cycling as well as contributing to a cleaner environment across the city and county.”
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