The UK Government has announced funding of £30m for low emission busses to encourage cleaner and greener bus journeys, UK Minister of Transport Andrew Jones has announced.

Bus operators and local authorities across England will share the fund for purchasing emission buses and installing charge points and other infrastructure.

Andrew Jones said: “My message is clear, greener buses are good for passengers and good for British business.

“Low emission buses have already proved to be a real success across the country.

"They are cost efficient, good for the environment, and there are wider benefits.

“We have provided more than £2bn of funding to greener transport schemes since 2011, and by supporting this technology the government is ensuring the UK is driving innovation and investment up and down the country.”

The fund will be used by 13 successful bidders, who will be adding 326 buses including electric, hybrid, hydrogen and biomethane buses to their fleets. They will also be installing infrastructure worth £7m.

"We have provided more than £2bn of funding to greener transport schemes since 2011, and by supporting this technology the government is ensuring the UK is driving innovation and investment up and down the country."

Among the successful bidders is Sheffield City Region, which has been awarded £1.3m for 44 buses fitted with hybrid technology.

Low emission buses produce at least 15% less greenhouse gas emissions than the average modern diesel bus, but the cost of the busses is slightly higher than a regular diesel buses.

The UK Government’s support for low emission buses is a part of £600m package of measures from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles by 2020.

Image: The UK Government funds £30m for low emission busses. Photo: courtesy of UK Department for Transport.