Pictured: Transport Minister Norman Baker meets with
representatives from bus manufacturers Alexander Dennis, Optare,
Volvo and Wrights whose vehicles were bought with help from the
government's £47m Green Bus Fund
Transport Minister Norman Baker was at the NEC on Tuesday 5th
October to meet with recipients of the Green Bus Fund - a
government fund that is helping to reduce carbon emissions from
buses in England.
More than 540 buses have been bought with help from the
£47 million Green Bus Fund.
The Minister met with representatives from bus operators and
local authorities at Coach & Bus Live, the coach and bus
industry's annual trade show, which took place at the NEC in
Birmingham.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said:
"The £47m Green Bus Fund means greener journeys in towns
and cities across Britain, with hundreds of new buses already in
operation and helping to cut carbon emissions. I have enjoyed
meeting the bus manufacturers and operators today who have been
successful in their bids for funding. The examples of innovation in
both manufacturing and technology that I've seen clearly
demonstrate the industry's ongoing commitment to delivering green
alternatives to the car. In addition I've made available
£560m for sustainable transport projects that will create
growth and cut carbon. Many of the successful schemes for this fund
include improvements to bus services, so all round we are offering
passengers better, greener bus journeys."
The Green Bus Fund was launched in 2009, inviting bus operators
and local authorities to bid for funding that would assist them in
buying low carbon buses. 24 winners shared £30 million from
the first part of the scheme in 2009 which supported the purchase
of 350 new buses. 14 winners shared £17 million from the
second part of the scheme in 2010 which supported the purchase of
170 vehicles.
Simon Posner, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger
Transport, said: "I'm delighted the Minister had the opportunity to
meet with representatives from the bus and coach industry today.
Manufacturers and suppliers are committed to delivering products
that really are making public transport the
environmentally-friendly way to travel."
Coach and Bus Live Show Director, Mark Griffin, said: "With more
than 200 exhibitors and around 80 vehicles on display, Coach &
Bus Live gives a clear and strong indication that many suppliers
are well positioned to meet the increased challenges and
opportunities faced by the bus and coach industry."