Skip to main content

‘Green bus’ guide launched

The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) has launched the Low Emission Bus (LEB) Guide, which aims to be a vital reference for bus operators and local authorities, providing an overview of the benefits of a range of low emission fuels and technologies that reduce both air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The Guide is intended to equip bus operators and local authorities with information to aid purchasing decisions, and encourage the adoption of the most appropriate low emission bus technology a
November 2, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) has launched the Low Emission Bus (LEB) Guide, which aims to be a vital reference for bus operators and local authorities, providing an overview of the benefits of a range of low emission fuels and technologies that reduce both air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Guide is intended to equip bus operators and local authorities with information to aid purchasing decisions, and encourage the adoption of the most appropriate low emission bus technology and associated infrastructure for particular routes and applications.

It covers a range of technologies including: electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electrified ancillaries, hydrogen fuel cell, biomethane, renewable diesel and retrofit selective catalytic reduction. It outlines both the emissions performance and the operational and financial factors fleet operators should consider when procuring new buses and the associated infrastructure requirements and implications. Real-world bus operator case studies are provided to highlight and demonstrate the environmental and business cases for the range of different technologies and fuels.

The UK Government is committed to limiting climate change and improving local air quality. The establishment of Clean Air Zones (CAZ) will discourage the use of older, more polluting buses, taxis, coaches and lorries by charging them to access key areas. Bus operators will be under increasing pressure to reduce the emissions impact of their operations.

As the LowCVP’s LEB Guide shows, the purchase of low emission buses can also offer life-cycle cost/total cost of ownership benefits to bus operators, demonstrating a clear business case for choosing alternative technologies.

Transport Minister John Hayes said: “Buses are the most popular form of public transport and millions of people rely on them every day. Low emission vehicles can make a real difference to air quality in towns and cities, which is why we have committed £30m to help pay for more than 300 new cleaner buses.

“This guide will give operators and councils the information they need to adopt these greener vehicles.”

Related Content

  • August 26, 2022
    ITF diagnoses South Asia’s breathing difficulties
    One of the world’s fastest-growing regions faces major transport sector decisions if it is to avoid spiralling emissions problems in coming decades. Alan Dron takes a look at a new report on Asia from the International Transport Forum
  • March 15, 2017
    London’s first Low Emission Bus Zone to tackle toxic air
    London’s first Low Emission Bus Zone has been launched in Putney High Street, one of the most polluted areas of the capital. The clean bus zone, which runs a total of 145 buses on seven scheduled routes, will now be serviced by cleaner buses in a move to cut harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The route is the first of 12 new Low Emission Bus Zones to be introduced at air quality hotspots. The zones represent the most extensive network of clean buses of any major world city. The routes are one‎ p
  • October 19, 2020
    Leeds abandons plans for CAZ
    UK city says that the initiative has already done its job in reducing pollution
  • February 27, 2015
    UK Government funding for plug-in vehicle infrastructure
    A wave of charge-points to support the fast-growing popularity of plug-in vehicles will be installed across the UK after the government set out US$49 million of infrastructure support up to 2020. Homes, hospitals, train stations and A-roads will be some of the locations for further charge-points to maintain Britain’s position as a global leader in this cutting-edge technology. The support compliments the fast-growing popularity of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) with grant claims rising four-fold in 20