Local MPs Ben Everitt and Iain Stewart are among those backing the plans for a fully electric bus fleet in Milton Keynes.
Milton Keynes Council has applied for the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Access (ZEBRA) scheme, which could see more than £40m invested in the local public transport network.
It would mean that 60 brand new electric buses could be introduced, alongside an upgraded overnight charging bus depot.
And our MPs have written to the Department for Transport backing the bid, following news that Milton Keynes has been selected under the fast track process to progress to Phase 2 of the competition.
Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, said: “The ZEBRA initiative is a hugely exciting and important scheme which can help Milton Keynes continue to lead the way with green technology.
“We’ve already got more rapid electric car charging points than anywhere else in the UK and making our buses all electric can be the next step on the road to Net Zero.
“It’s absolutely vital we tackle climate change and we’ve already made huge strides by reducing emissions by 49% since 1990, but there’s still plenty of work to do so I hope Milton Keynes is successful with its bid.”
Iain Stewart, the MP for Milton Keynes South, added: "I truly believe that Milton Keynes is an ideal place for the zero emission buses to be implemented.
"By having this scheme, it will allow MK to continue being at the forefront of innovation whilst doing our bit to cut carbon emissions and combat climate change.
"That is why I, along with Ben Everitt MP, wrote to the Department for Transport to voice our support for MK's application in hopes that we will be successful."
