The Scottish government has launched the second phase of its Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB), which has made up to £58m in funding available to encourage zero-emission buses and infrastructure.
The second phase of the project expands eligibility to coaches and community transport providers to support improved provision of a range of zero-emission transport options across Scotland.
Kevin Stewart, Scottish minister for transport, said: “The Scottish government has already invested £113m towards 548 zero-emission buses and supporting infrastructure, and I’m really pleased to now be making a further £58 million available.
“Launching the second phase of the ScotZEB Challenge Fund honours this Government’s pledge to drive forward a fully decarbonised future for Scotland’s buses; supporting operators of all sizes, including community transport, school bus and coach operators to transform their vehicles to zero-emissions and install infrastructure which can be shared with other fleets to help them make the switch too.
“We all have a part to play in tackling the global climate emergency. Bus is currently one of the most climate friendly transport choices the public can make, and I want to keep it that way for communities across all of Scotland.
“I will continue to challenge the bus and finance sectors to deliver excellence for Scotland and by launching ScotZEB 2, I hope to see truly transformational, collaborative change in the bus market towards a zero-emission future.”
ScotZEB 1 saw the delivery of 276 zero-emission buses and brought the total number in Scotland to nearly 600; the second phase seeks to rapidly accelerate the adoption of zero-emission buses.
Paul Davies, president and managing director of Alexander Dennis, said: “We are delighted to host the Scottish Government’s launch of ScotZEB 2 right here in our Larbert facility, which we are currently upgrading to make it a manufacturing centre of excellence for our zero-emission buses.
“As a proud member of the Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce, we have stepped up to the mark and delivered on the ask to create a small electric bus with our Enviro100EV.
“We are committed to supporting the just transition of decarbonising transport and funding from ScotZEB will be a welcome support for the jobs the industry offers in our communities as it benefits us and other Scottish suppliers.”
Stewart launched ScotZEB 2 at Scottish bus manufacturing company, Alexander Dennis.