Cleaner journeys are among us across the country as new Government funding for zero emission buses (ZEBs) has been put in place, helping to decarbonise public transport and develop innovative ideas to ensure future infrastructure is low-carbon and resilient.

The Transport Secretary has announced funding of up to £129 million to help local transport authorities introduce hundreds more zero emission buses.

Rual communities will also benefit as the Government has prioritised the first £25 million for remote areas.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Funding for more zero emission buses will help decarbonise public transport and grow the economy by keeping our communities connected.

“We have already reached our initial target of funding at least 4,000 zero emission buses and this additional funding will improve journeys for even more passengers, reaching those in the most remote areas.

“Our Net Zero transport hub will be a centre of academic excellence, helping us keep our transport network resilient into the future” he added.

Newcastle University, Heriot-Watt University, University of Cambridge and University of Glasgow have been awarded the funding to establish the Net Zero Transport for a Resilient Future Hub, where they will develop innovative ideas to ensure future transport infrastructure is low-carbon and resilient.

This new research hub has been backed by £10 million in funding from the Department for Transport, National Highways, HS2 Ltd, Network Rail and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Bus Minister Richard Holden said: “It’s been fantastic to be at Alexander Dennis and see how our £129 million investment will impact British bus manufacturing.

“This brings our total investment in new zero-emission buses to almost £500 million, helping to kick-start a new generation of bus manufacturing in the UK and create good, high-quality jobs from Scarborough to Falkirk” he added.

The Zero Emission Bus Regional Are  as (ZEBRA) 2 scheme is now open for bids from all local authorities in England (outside London), with applications to be prioritised from those that did not receive funding in the previous funding rounds to ensure more people can enjoy this clean transport.