28.03.14
Scotland adds more vehicles to eco-friendly bus fleet
A further 32 low carbon vehicles will be added to Scotland’s growing eco-friendly bus fleet, thanks to government funding.
Around £2m has been awarded to Stagecoach East and Lothian Buses – the successful bidders from the fourth round of the Scottish Green Bus Fund – towards the cost of buying the new low carbon buses.
Transport minister Keith Brown said: “The Scottish government is committed to public transport and to our ambitious climate change target of reducing carbon emissions by 42% by 2020.
“This fund is helping our bus industry invest in the latest emission reducing technology and is another clear indication of our support and commitment to the bus industry in Scotland.”
Since the Scottish Green Bus Fund was launched in July 2010, it has allowed bus operators to purchase 94 low carbon buses, which are able to deliver 30% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, compared with typical Euro III diesel buses, along with significant fuel savings.
In response to the funding announcement, Bill Devlin, engineering director at Lothian Buses, said: “We’re committed to developing our use of hybrid buses and this support will take our total number of hybrids in Edinburgh to 65 by early 2015.
“We’ve seen significant passenger growth on our existing hybrid routes and I have no doubt that the new vehicles will continue to tempt people from their cars and onto buses for short urban journeys where the environmental savings can be very significant.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]