Government
funding of over £46 million will see 542 new low carbon buses on
roads across England by March 2012, Transport Minister Norman
Baker announced today.
The money is part of the Government’s drive to target investment
in new projects that promote green growth and encourage use of
sustainable local transport.
All English regions will benefit with funds which have been paid
to 20 bus operators and 6 local authorities. All the buses are
expected to be in service by 2012.
Norman Baker said:
“My vision is for a transport system that cuts carbon and creates growth.
“Low carbon buses emit around 30 per cent fewer greenhouse gas
emissions than standard diesel buses and use around a third less
fuel – that is why it was so important to kick-start the market.
“They also represent an important and developing industry – both
in this country and throughout the world – which has the potential
to create jobs and boost economic growth.
“Green buses are therefore an absolute no brainer – they are the
perfect combination of targeted investment that help people make
the transport choices that are good for society as a whole.”
Green, low carbon hybrid-electric buses supported by the Fund are
already in operation in London, Manchester, Oxford and Reading.
Electric buses supported by the Fund are operating in Durham.
Notes to Editors
1. The Government’s Green Bus Fund is a scheme through which bus
operators and local authorities bid for grant to help them
purchase new low carbon buses. 2. A Low Carbon Emission Bus (LCEB)
is a bus that is able to achieve the LCEB target for Greenhouse
Gas Emissions, which is equivalent to a 30% reduction in its
Greenhouse Gas Emissions compared to a current Euro 3 diesel bus
of the same total passenger capacity. These buses will all meet
the latest air quality standards, delivering at least Euro V EU
emission standards. 3. Bus operators and local authorities were
able to bid for funding towards the cost of a low carbon bus. This
grant was to help them to meet the additional upfront cost of the
vehicles. 4. The Fund has been a great success story. We have paid
out more than £46 million in grant to 20 bus operators and 6 local
authorities which will part-fund 542 new low carbon emission buses
to operate in England by March 2012. The majority (97%) are
hybrid-electric vehicles with the remainder being all-electric
buses. 5. Green Bus Fund buses will be operating in all regions in
England by March 2012. 6. 143 buses supported by the Fund are now
in operation in Greater Manchester (51 buses), London (50 buses),
Oxford (27 buses), Reading (6 buses), Leeds (6 buses) and Durham
(3 buses). 7. Alexander Dennis Limited will benefit most from the
Fund, having received 53% of the funded bus orders. Optare
received 27% of the orders and Volvo/Wright Bus received the
remaining 20%.To view the table that accompanies this release,
please follow the link below;
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/ImageLibrary/DownloadMedia.ashx?MediaDetailsID=3541Press
Enquiries: 020 7944 3066Out of Hours: 020 7944 4292Public
Enquiries: 0300 330 3000Department for Transport Website:
http://www.dft.gov.ukwww.twitter.com/transportgovuk |
www.youtube.com/transportgovuk | www.flickr.com/transportgovuk
Contacts:
DfT Press Office - Local Transport
Phone: DfT Press Office
020 7944 3066
nds.dft@coi.gsi.gov.uk