Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani has announced a new Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme aimed at cutting emissions and ensuring cleaner and greener journeys.
The program will see local authorities and operators in England and Wales bid for a share of a £48 million ($68 million) fund, which they can use to buy hundreds of new ultra-low emission buses as well as the infrastructure to support them.
This is part of the Government's focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the transport sector.
Ghani said, "We are doing more than ever before to reduce greenhouse gas pollution across all modes of transport and we are committed to ensuring nearly all cars and vans are emissions-free at their tailpipes by 2050.
"We are confident this scheme will encourage councils and operators to invest in these ultra-low emission vehicles - speeding up the full transition to a low emission bus fleet in England and Wales."
Claire Haigh, Chief Executive of Greener Journeys, added, "Today's announcement is a fantastic step in the UK's fight against air pollution and we're delighted that the Government has recognized the important and vital role that buses play in helping reducing harmful emissions.”
The current funding comes as part of a wider £100 million ($141.6 million) scheme announced in November 2016 to support low-emission buses. The Prime Minister announced In December that the UK would host a Zero Emission Vehicle Summit in Autumn 2018.
