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Bus Firm's Funding Rejection Sparks Legal Threat
26 Mar
Summary
- Bus operator seeks £4.3m for 33 zero-emission vehicles.
- Funding rejected, with rival operator receiving £13m.
- Company questions fairness and transparency of allocation.
McGills Group, the UK's largest independent bus operator, is exploring legal advice following the rejection of its £4.3 million bid for electric bus expansion funds from Transport Scotland. The company had proposed acquiring 33 zero-emission vehicles from Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), which it stated would support Scottish jobs and reduce diesel vehicle usage.
The £45 million Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB3) awarded its largest portion, £13 million, to Ember for 100 Chinese electric coaches. McGills questioned this, asserting it wouldn't replace existing diesel buses and raised concerns about the fund's transparency and fairness.
Transport Scotland has invested over £154 million in zero-emission buses and infrastructure since 2020. The latest £45 million aims to support operators committed to rapid decarbonization, leveraging private investment. In total, the program has funded over 300 zero-emission buses and 295 charging points across various operators like Rock Road, Lothian Buses, First, and Stagecoach.
