To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the cost of delivering the 4,000 new zero emission buses they committed to in the National Bus Strategy.
Answered on
21 April 2021
The cost of individual vehicles, and accompanying infrastructure, will depend on a number of case by case factors including the types of vehicles chosen, the scale of individual projects and the associated infrastructure requirements. On 30 March 2021 the Government launched the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme. Under this scheme local transport authorities will be able to bid for up to £120 million to introduce zero emission buses and associated infrastructure. The funding from this scheme could assist with the introduction of up to 500 zero emission buses and associated infrastructure.
In addition, £50 million has been provided in through the All-Electric Bus Town or City scheme. This funding could assist with the introduction of up to 300 zero emission buses and associated infrastructure. Together, Government funding currently could support the purchase of 800 zero emission buses and the infrastructure needed to support them.
The Department is continuing to review how to support the introduction of zero emission buses and associated infrastructure in future years.