The UK government has announced funding of up to £129 million on enable local transport authorities to introduce more zero emission busses (ZEBs).

The government said around £25 million of the funding will be prioritised for rural communities where building the infrastructure for buses is more expensive.

It said the additional funding will take the number of ZEBs to 4,000, taking the UK closer to a fully decarbonised fleet.

This is the second phase of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme. During the first round, the government said 1,300 ZEBs were funded through the scheme.

All local authorities in England outside London can apply for the scheme. Bid will be prioritised from local authorities which did not receive funding in the first round.

The government claimed that the scheme would grow the economy by connecting remote communities and boost the UK manufacturing industry.

Commenting on the news, transport secretary Mark Harper said: “Todays’ 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.

“The UK is also cementing its position as a world leader in net zero tech with this new investment into climate resilience. Our Net Zero transport hub will be a centre of academic excellence, helping us keep our transport network resilient into the future.”

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