The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is supporting transport companies with a further 270 million euros for the procurement of buses with alternative drives and associated infrastructure. In Berlin today, funding certificates were presented to 52 bus companies from across Germany.
Dr. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport: “By 2030, one in two urban buses are to be driven electrically. We are supporting transport companies in converting their fleets and are boosting the procurement of buses with alternative drives and associated infrastructure. With our funding, the number of climate-friendly buses will more than triple within the next few years. I am delighted that the programme is in huge demand and this illustrates that transport companies are committed to modern, climate-friendly buses. To protect the climate, reduce harmful emissions and decrease noise, we will continue to put targeted incentives in place for the renewal of bus fleets.”
Today’s funding commitments will put around 1,000 new climate-friendly buses on the road. The BMDV is funding a total of 4,200 electric buses through the funding calls to date. Together with the feasibility studies, also eligible for funding, more than 270 transport companies can be supported.
The funding is provided within the technology-neutral ‘Guideline for the promotion of alternative drives for buses in passenger transport’. Buses powered by batteries, fuel cells, battery overhead lines as well as biomethane are eligible for funding. The infrastructure required for their operation and the preparation of feasibility studies are also being funded. The funding is part of the federal government’s Climate Protection Programme 2030 on the implementation of the Climate Protection Plan 2050 and the future package of the federal government’s Economic Stimulus Package.
Implementation and support is provided by the programme company NOW GmbH and Project Management Jülich (PtJ).