Funding to Buy New Ultra-Low or Zero Emission Buses in Scotland

A total fund of £9 million is being made available and the maximum single bid allowed is £4 million.

Bids are invited from the following Scotland-based applicants:

Bus operators, including community transport operators.

Local authorities (LAs).

Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs).

Companies leasing/renting buses to the above bodies in Scotland.

Applications will only be accepted for the procurement of new buses (single or double decker) to be used on one or more local registered bus services.

Examples of the infrastructure most likely to be bid for under the fund are standard, fast, rapid conductive and inductive charging equipment and hydrogen re-fuelling systems. The capital cost can include surveys at the point of procuring the infrastructure provided that these are capitalised.

Eligible costs also include but are not limited to:

Cost of charging unit or refuelling station.

Electrical or other power components.

Civil engineering works.

Labour costs (for installation).

Hardware costs.

Capital costs of developing associated software systems.

The capitalised cost of surveys at the point of the infrastructure procurement.

The grant funding is available in 2020/21. Buses should come into service no later than 12 months from the order date. Infrastructure should be in place no later than 12 months from the agreed contract.

The closing date for applications is 6 September 2020 (midnight).

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.