Buses: Carbon Emissions
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the delivery risks associated with zero-emission bus programmes delivered in partnership with private bus operators; what steps her Department has taken to ensure that local transport authorities retain sufficient oversight of procurement and delivery decisions; and what lessons the Department has identified from projects where zero-emission bus funding allocations have been revised or returned.
Answered by Simon Lightwood
The Department routinely monitors delivery of zero-emission bus (ZEB) programmes through engagement with Local Transport Authorities (LTAs). The main risks identified include: (i) securing timely grid connections and working with Distribution Network Operators; (ii) technical integration of charging infrastructure and depot upgrades; and (iii) programme governance and communications across partners.
Oversight of projects by LTAs is retained and assurances given by operators through the use of a grant funding agreement (GFA) which sets out specific outputs in order for the operator to receive grant funding and that each project is completed as anticipated.
The lessons learnt from each project will be provided by the monitoring and evaluation process once projects have concluded.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →