Covid and net zero drive new bus financing models

The challenges of Covid-19 and the Government’s net zero carbon dioxide target are prompting new thinking about how bus investment is financed. Transport Scotland has just published a paper looking at potential solutions

16 April 2021

First Glasgow has 57 electric single deck buses on order from BYD ADL. Pictured is one of two vehicles the operator took delivery of in 2019

The world’s first hydrogen double decker was delivered to Aberdeen last year by manufacturer Wrightbus. Analysis for Transport Scotland suggests that the whole life costs of a hydrogen bus is currently two-and-a-half times that of a diesel

Politicians are backing investment in zero emission buses to support net zero carbon dioxide targets. The DfT has promised funding to support 4,000 vehicles outside London, with bidding for the first tranche of funding through the Zero Emission Buses Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme now open (see news, page 13). In Scotland, the Government is pledging £120m for zero emission buses over the next five years, in addition to the £50m awarded this year through two rounds of the Scottish...