170 green buses to be bought with govt cash by 2012
Posted by Fiona Birkwood
The government has announced that 170 hybrid and electric buses will be bought under the second round of the Green Bus Fund by March 2012.
Transport minister Norman Baker announced that this £15 million will help to prevent 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the environment.
He explained that these low-carbon buses use at least 30 per cent less fuel than normal buses; however, they currently make up just 0.2 per cent of buses on the UK's roads.
"This sector therefore has tremendous potential to reduce the impact of road transport on climate change.
"The Green Bus Fund is vital to unlocking this potential and will also stimulate a growing market," Mr Baker added.
Under the first round, 24 bidders shared £30 million, which is going towards the purchase of around 350 new low-carbon buses.
Last month, Nissan opened the order bank for its electric vehicle the Leaf.
Deliveries of the first Japanese-built Nissan Leafs will start in March priced at £23,990. 
