£1.8m grant to help fund ‘green’ buses

GRANTS totalling just under £1.8 million have been made to help put more “green” buses on the roads.

Transport minister Keith Brown said the money will help five companies to buy 26 environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles, which have a conventional engine and an electric motor.

Mr Brown announced the grants as he visited Henderson’s Travel in Hamilton, one of the companies to benefit from the second round of cash from the Scottish Government’s Green Bus Fund. National Express Dundee, Lothian Buses, MacEwen’s Coach Services and Deveron Coaches will also receive money.

The fund last year helped five firms buy 48 “green” buses.

Mr Brown said: “This is another clear indication of our support and commitment to the bus industry. Early indications from the use of vehicles bought in the first phase are showing substantial fuel savings and reduced emissions.”