The Scottish Government has announced that 45 million GBP will be invested in the introduction of more than 330 zero emission vehicles to Scotland’s bus operators.
Awarded through the third Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB3); the investment will also fund the installation of associated charging infrastructure.
The Scottish Government will continue to examine options for a regulatory approach through the UK Bus Services Act 2025, wchich would apply from 2030 and beyond. This would support the phased uptake of zero emission buses on local services, contributing to the wider reduction of emissions from heavy duty vehicles in Scotland, as well as encourage more passengers to choose the bus.
Marking the conclusion of funding from the Scottish Government to support large operators to make the transition to zero emission vehicles, the investment aims to build on the success of previous schemes.
Across the ScotZEB and the Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme (SULEBS); the Scottish Government has thus far supported the deployment of roughly 800 buses and associated charging infrastructure through 154 million GBP of capital funding, supporting a gradual transition to a net zero transport system in the process.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:This final investment of £45 million from the Scottish Government through ScotZEB3 signals our commitment to a zero emission future for Scotland’s bus sector.
Since 2020, we have invested over £154 million in zero emission buses and infrastructure. This additional £45 million will support the ambition and leadership of operators that seek to decarbonise their operations as quickly as possible. It also helps ensure that the bus sector can access the benefits of Scotland’s investment in secure, renewable sources of electricity.
With every £1 of public funding leveraging over £2.50 of private investment, ScotZEB3 has demonstrated that government and industry can work together to deliver transformative climate action.
The programme is not only reducing emissions – it’s supporting jobs and our economy, connecting communities across Scotland and improving the experience for passengers across the country.
Bringing 334 zero emission vehicles into the Scottish fleet, ScotZEB3 will fund the introduction of buses from a variety of manufacturers, including 14 ADL double-deck buses, 69 ADL single-deck buses, 10 Wrightbus single-deck buses, 15 repowered KleanDrive double-deck buses, 166 Yutong double-deck buses, 20 Wrightbus double-deck buses and 40 Volvo/ADL double-deck buses.
