CPT welcomes further government funding for zero emission buses

September 08 2023

The Transport Secretary has announced funding of up to £129m to help local transport authorities introduce hundreds more zero emission buses.

Commenting on the news, Alison Edwards, the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s Director of Policy said: 

“We welcome the Government’s announcement of further government funding for zero emission buses. Buses have a huge role to play in helping the UK meet its decarbonisation goals.  

“We are pleased that the prioritisation of rural bus services in the bidding process recognises the challenges facing these operators.  

“CPT has long explained to the Government the added complexity in transitioning to zero emission vehicles in rural areas. This goes beyond simply accessing ZEBRA funding and includes obstacles such as leased and/or very small depots, long distances from a good grid connection, and a duty cycle that exceeds the range of the most readily available zero emission vehicles. 

“To help tackle these, CPT has established a Rural Zero Emission Bus Taskforce, which will seek to identify practical solutions which are required for rural areas.”