Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has announced that an innovative bus industry consortium will deliver 252 new zero-emission buses and coaches to Scotland’s roads, backed by Scottish Government investment.

£41.7 million grant funding will support eight operators, led by electric vehicle fleet specialist Zenobē, to deliver the buses along with a Scotland-wide charging network for use by all buses, coaches and HGVs.

The investment completes the second and final round of subsidy from the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB 2), which brings together businesses from across the bus, energy and financial sectors, and builds upon £113 million the Scottish Government has already invested in zero emission buses and supporting infrastructure.

First Minister John Swinney said:

“Supporting zero-carbon buses as a sustainable means of public transport across Scotland will connect communities and open up new economic and social opportunities.

“This investment will deliver 100 new inter-city bus routes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 600,000 tonnes over the lifetime of the fleet by encouraging more people to swap the car for efficient public transport, which is crucial to reaching net zero by 2045.

“Every £1 from the Scottish Government will leverage £3.20 of private sector investment – demonstrating that our shared decarbonisation goals can be met by working together when it comes to removing carbon emissions from our bus and coach fleets.

“All bus and coach operators, including those operating in smaller towns and communities, will benefit from both the novel approach to financing and the Scotland-wide charging network that will be delivered, helping other modes of transport make the switch to electric vehicles too.”

(Pic – Yay Images)