£5 Million Greener Bus Fund to tackle air pollution

Bus operators across England will be able to bid for a share of £5 million funding to fit buses with green technology and offer better journeys following the announcement of competition from the government.

The Clean Bus Technology Fund 2015 will allow local authorities to bid for up to £500,000 each, which is enough to retrofit hundreds of buses to reduce NOx emissions and improve air quality.

Since 2011, approximately 1,500 buses have been retrofitted as last year’s Clean Vehicle Technology Fund provided over £8 million to councils to upgrade over 1,200 vehicles, including vans, taxis, buses and even fire engines.

Alongside the Clean Bus Technology Fund, the government launched the £500,000 Air Quality Grant Scheme for 2015/16. The scheme will support local authority projects to improve air quality with successful schemes previously encouraging local cycling projects, developing and implementing local low emission strategies and local engagement and awareness raising initiatives.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “The £5 million Clean Bus Technology Fund will provide hundreds of cleaner buses to improve air quality in towns and cities across England and I urge local authorities to submit bids.

“The funding will also support the British industries helping deliver the technology. Today’s announcement continues the government’s commitment to improve air quality by upgrading existing vehicles on the road while also backing the low-emission solutions for the future.”

The fund is open for bids until the end of October, with a particular focus on pollution hotspots in cites and urban areas. The winners will be announced towards the end of the year.

Read more