If members are interested, enclosed is the Guidance for Bidders for the fourth round of Green Bus funding for deliveries in 2013/2014. £20 million is available which will fund around 300 low carbon emission buses. Each bidder is restricted to a maximum total grant of £5 million.

[attachment=1357]

Interested bus operators have until 5pm on Tuesday 26 March 2013 to make their bids. Sadly, the government has reduced the grant available to up to 50% of the difference between the cost of a low-carbon emission bus and its diesel equivalent. When the Green Bus Fund first began in 2009, I believe this was 100% of the difference. I really hope a north east operator(s) manages to make another successful bid.

I believe delivery is very imminent for Arriva's MAN EcoCity's at Darlington and Hybrid Volvo double deckers for the 308 (Blyth-Newcastle) route, as a part of the third round of the Green Bus Fund.