Department for Transport Seeks to Create All-Electric Bus Towns
Government launched A Better Deal for Bus Users which sets out a package of actions to meet the needs and demands of the travelling public. With £220 million of new funding to help improve bus services, the package includes up to £50 million to deliver Britain’s first all-electric bus town or city.
The Department for Transport’s (DfTs) All-Electric Bus Town proposal has the following aims:
To act as a pilot to understand what can be achieved when there is a real commitment to move all buses in a place to electric zero-emission
To understand the impact this can have on improving air quality and greenhouse gases in a place
To understand better the challenges of running a wholly electric bus fleet
To understand the impact that an electric fleet can have on running costs for bus operators (given that electric buses should be cheaper to run in terms of fuel costs)
To support bus manufacturers in the development of zero emission bus technology.
English local transport authorities outside London (ie counties, unitaries, combined authorities) are eligible to apply for funding.
A total of £50 million is available. That could go towards one or more all-electric bus towns/cities.
The amount of support for a place will be based on the following funding formula:
DfT will contribute up to 75% of the cost difference between a zero-emission bus and a standard conventional diesel bus equivalent of the same total passenger capacity
For infrastructure, DfT will contribute up to 75% of the capital expenditure incurred as a result of its purchase and installation.
Expressions of interest must be submitted by the deadline of 30 April 2020.
More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news and policy. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.
