£43 million to be spent on electric buses across the South West
The government have said passengers will benefit from cleaner and more reliable journeys.
Last updated 22nd Mar 2024
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has confirmed 352 zero-emission buses will hit the road in the South West as nine local councils receive £43.4 million to decarbonise their bus fleet.
The Government promise the new investment will help make buses across the South West more modern, cleaner and more reliable.
The scheme is aiming to improve journeys, particularly in rural areas, which will help to boost the local economy.
Speaking in Cheltenham, Mark Harper, said: "As part of our plan to decarbonise transport we've set out our plans for electric cars but it is important to do this for buses as well.
"They do cost more so that's why we've got these schemes to make sure bus companies can rollout electric vehicles and still have proper competitive bus fares for passengers.
"This round of funding means 25 local authorities across the country are getting £143m."
To make sure more parts of the country benefit from better buses and green technology, the government has prioritised the first £40 million for rural communities.
Mark Harper, said: "There are nine local authorities, in the South West including Gloucestershire, looking at rolling buses out across rural areas.
"We wanted to see what extra challenges there are in rural areas, so we can eventually rollout electric buses across the whole bus network."