LowCVP considers the funding options

As part of the National Bus Strategy the Government have pledged to have 4,000 zero emission buses in operation by the end of 2025. With numbers currently just under the 700 mark, there is a long way to go and a significant amount of investment required in both the vehicles and infrastructure.

The LowCVP have recently published their paper setting out the funding options that they believe the Government should consider. Each option has been scored by their members as to the effectiveness in accelerating the adoption of zero emission buses.

The paper looks at existing funding streams – ULEB bids, incentivising through additional BSOG as well as alternative options going forward, such as vouchers, grants, etc. They also consider the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and how that could change future funding in the short term to boost operator appetite for greener buses and protect manufacturing jobs in the UK.

It is clear from the paper that members view the LCEB BSOG incentive as being an effective tool in delivering the Government’s target. However, the current scheme in England was introduced over 10 years ago and certainly needs updating to provide more generous payments to those operators with the cleanest vehicles, rather than the current flat rate. The paper suggests a graded pence per kilometre low carbon scheme such as that introduced in Scotland in April 2019, a view we at EPM agree with.

Whatever funding mechanism is put in place it is clear that the DfT will need to act fast and dig deep if they are to hit their target!

EPM are the leading experts in the certification of BSOG claims, ensuring that all claims they certify are accurate, compliant and maximised. If you would like to discuss how we can help you with your claim, then get in touch.

If you’d like to read the full LowCVP report, you can find it here.