The Scottish government has awarded £7.4 million through the first round of the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme. The initiative helps bus operators invest in ultra-low emission vehicles and infrastructure — supporting a green recovery out of the Covid-19 crisis, furthering the country’s ambitions for a net-zero economy and improved air quality — 41 ultra-low emission buses will be supported across five bids. Out of these, 35 of the buses will be built in Scotland – supporting jobs and the wider Scottish supply chain.

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, said: “The Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme is providing economic stimulus to help drive a green recovery, responding to the climate emergency whilst improving air quality. I am pleased that 35 of these new buses will be manufactured in Scotland, helping to support jobs and our bus manufacturing sector.

“366 million bus journeys were made in 2019, which demonstrates the value of our bus sector and supply chain in keeping Scotland moving. It also reinforces the key role that buses play every day in supporting the wider vision outlined in our National Transport Strategy.

“To help support bus operators and passengers, we’re also providing up to £109 million to increase and maintain bus services and £10 million for bus priority infrastructure measures.

“In addition, we have maintained concessionary travel payments and Bus Service Operator Grants at pre-Covid levels and have provided £9.75 million to fund exhaust retrofits and help with the costs in moving to Low Emission Zones.”

Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis president and managing director, said: “As Britain’s leading manufacturer of clean buses, we welcome the Scottish government’s award of funding for ultra-low emission buses, which will contribute to Scotland’s green recovery.

“This is a much appreciated first step in stimulating urgently needed demand for new buses and we look forward to building 35 electric buses here in Scotland. Delivering cleaner air and reducing carbon emissions, they will set a great example for further investment in a better future for all.

At Alexander Dennis we have the capacity, skilled team and commitment, to build the many more low, ultra low and zero-emission buses which our nation needs now.”

John Bynorth from Environmental Protection Scotland and coordinator for Scotland’s Clean Air Day taking place on 8 October, said: “We welcome this funding announcement of support for 41 ultra-low emission buses which will help continue to drive forward the improvements in air quality in Scotland’s towns and cities.

“It is vital that people are encouraged to get back on buses once the Covid-19 crisis is over and are aware of the environmental benefits of leaving the car at home.

“Cleaner, greener buses and good transport infrastructure, such as bus lanes to speed up bus journey times, all play an important part in Scotland's sustainable economic recovery after COVID-19.”

More information on the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme, including successful bids, can be found on the Transport Scotland web site: www.transport.gov.scot/public-transport/buses/scottish-ultra-low-emission-bus-scheme