The Government has launched its £120m fund scheme to help local transport authorities in England roll out zero-emission buses.

Officials said the cash from the zero-emission-buses regional area (ZEBRA) scheme, will deliver up to 500 buses, ‘supporting the Government’s wider commitment to introduce 4,000 zero-emission buses’.

It comes under £3bn pledged under the National Bus Strategy, published earlier this month.

The Department for Transport said that to ensure the cash is used quickly, it is calling on consortia of local transport authorities, energy companies, bus operators and manufacturers to come together to work up strong cases for funding.

Bidders will have until 21 May to submit expressions of interest for a fast-track process that will allow local transport authorities with well-developed proposals to move quickly in their bid to secure funding.

However, those who need more time to develop their proposals will have until 25 June to submit expressions of interest.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘The launch of the scheme today means we’re giving businesses and local authorities the tools to help deliver the 4,000 zero-emission buses we said we would introduce, which will dramatically improve air quality in towns and cities across the country, helping us achieve our net-zero ambitions.’

Image: Ron Ellis / Shutterstock.com.

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