The Department for Transport has revealed Coventry and Oxford as the final contenders to become the first cities in the UK to run all-electric bus services.
They will now work with the government to finalise their business cases after being shortlisted from 19 applicants to an England-wide competition launched by the department in February 2020.
Each city could be awarded up to £50 million to not only replace their bus fleets with all-electric models but also install infrastructure such as charging stations and grid reinforcements.
“As we build back greener from Covid-19, we can provide people with more environmentally-friendly transport and cleaner air,” said transport secretary Grant Shapps.
“Coventry and Oxford could soon be at the forefront of our plans for a new era of bus services, helping us develop the green transport network of the future and support jobs right here in the UK.”
West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “This news is brilliant for Coventry and the West Midlands, and I am delighted the secretary of state and his department have once again put their faith in our region to deliver.
“Turning all of Coventry’s bus fleet electric is not only a major boost to public transport in the city, but it will also help tackle the climate emergency we face both here in the West Midlands and the wider UK.”
Oxfordshire County Council leader Ian Hudspeth said: “Oxfordshire’s bid comes at a time when our council is determined to take concerted climate action to cut vehicle air pollution and expand the provision of bus services with our Zero Emission Zone and Connecting Oxford plans.
“This council is committed to offering our residents a clean and environmentally sustainable future through a series of steps including through better public transport.”