Scotland allocates £45 million for coach and bus as ScotZEB3 concludes.

The current funding allocation will support 334 zero-emission vehicles across Scotland, including coaches, as the government hints a potential regulation shift beginning in 2030.

The Scottish Government has awarded £45 million in the third round of its Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB3) to assist the introduction of 334 zero-emission vehicles, including coaches and buses, as well as accompanying charging infrastructure.

The latest installment includes cash for 227 buses and 107 coaches.

Transport Scotland describes the funding as the final phase of large-scale capital support for operators transitioning to zero-emission fleets under the ScotZEB programme, which has committed over £154 million (along with the Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme) since 2020 and supported the deployment of approximately 800 vehicles.

Ember will receive 100 Yutong coaches, while Stagecoach will get a mixed fleet of seven Yutong coaches and 37 single- and double-deck buses.

Lothian is purchasing 60 double-deck buses from Volvo/Alexander Dennis and Wrightbus, while First Bus will repower existing vehicles and introduce 22 new Yutong double-deckers.

Rock Road intends to purchase 14 Alexander Dennis double-deck buses, as well as 69 Alexander Dennis and 10 Wrightbus single-deckers.

The total project cost for the five successful bidders exceeds £160 million, with public finance leveraging private investment in line with prior rounds. The Transport Scotland website contains a complete breakdown of the funding amounts.

Along with the investment, the Scottish Government is continuing to investigate a legislative strategy under the UK Bus routes Act 2025 that might facilitate the gradual introduction of zero-emission vehicles on local routes beginning no earlier than 2030.

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