Government announces £7m fund for installation of green bus technology

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced £7 million funding to fit nearly 450 buses in England with green bus technology in a drive to cut harmful emissions in towns and city centres.

On Sunday 03 January 2016, the DfT announced it had awarded 18 successful bids a £7 million fund to fit almost 450 buses in England with green bus technology in order to cut harmful emissions by up to 90 percent.

Green bus technology to help cut harmful emissions by up to 90% in towns and cities

As part of the Clean Bus Technology Fund 2015, 18 local authorities across England will retrofit 439 buses with technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions in pollution hotspots. Due to their high mileage and long operational life, introducing greener buses can significantly help air quality in town and city centres. The buses upgraded from this fund will complete more than a million journeys a year.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said:  “Greener buses mean cleaner town and city centres and a healthier environment for everyone. The upgraded buses that will soon hit the roads in England continue our commitment to better air quality by investing in greener transport. By targeting pollution hotspots and backing the low-emission technology of the future, we are making the right long-term decisions to improve people’s lives.”

In order to be a successful bidder for the Clean Bus Technology Fund 2015, local authorities had to show evidence that the technology would reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by at least 50 percent. The buses will be fitted with exhaust gas treatment systems called selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and will be back on the roads after their upgrade. As part of the award, councils must continue to monitor the schemes and provide evidence of their effectiveness.

Details of the 18 successful projects and individual funding can be downloaded here.