Scottish Government Provides Funding for ‘Green Buses’

Next time you’re travelling down the road in Scotland, keep your eye out for one of the new green buses that may have been partially funded by the Scottish government. The BBC reports that the Scottish Green Bus Fund has already helped transport companies purchase more than 70 low-carbon buses as part of an overall strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of public transportation. The Fund is expected to contribute even more money in the future.

The BBC says the Fund recently committed an additional £2 million to be used by Lothian Buses and Stagecoach East Scotland for a total purchase of an additional 32 buses between the two companies. Lothian will be purchasing 14 while Stagecoach will get 18. The new buses boast carbon emissions that are approximately 30% lower than standard diesel buses. At the same time, these are also more fuel-efficient.

If all goes as planned, the Scottish government will achieve its goal of reducing emissions some 42% by 2020. It believes it is necessary if public transport is to continue to be successful without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Where bus drivers and riders are concerned, going green with public buses will have no noticeable impact on service.

There will be no disruption for drivers earning a bus driving licence either. The green buses only operate differently where engine function is concerned. Drivers will still undergo the same training for road safety, hazard avoidance, and compliance with transport regulations.

How to Earn Your Bus Driving License

Have you been considering earning a bus driving licence yourself? If so, it’s a very wise decision. There is plenty of demand for licensed bus drivers all across the country right now. Moreover, as the UK pushes even harder for effective public transportation, the demand for licensed drivers is only expected to increase.

If you already have a full car licence, getting your bus driving licence is straightforward. It starts by passing a routine medical exam administered by your GP or an approved private physician. At the HGV Training Centre, we can get you started moving in the right direction. We will help make sure your medical paperwork is properly filled out and submitted so that you can apply for your provisional entitlement.

The next step toward earning your bus driving licence is to take and pass the PCV theory test. This is a 100 question, a multiple-choice exam designed to test your knowledge of hazard avoidance in general road safety. You’ll be happy to know that our students pass the theory test, the first time, at a rate of 92%.

After that, it is simply a matter of undergoing your classroom and behind-the-wheel training in preparation for your practical skills test. The nice thing about training with us is the fact that we can have you ready to go in a matter of weeks rather than months. Feel free to contact us if you want more information. The HGV Training Centre is here to help.

Sources:

BBC – https://www.bbc.com/