On Monday 24 October, the European Commission authorised Portuguese public aid plans of €60 million to subsidise the purchase of low-emission buses for public infrastructure in urban areas and the replacement of refuelling and recharging infrastructure.
Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said: "This measure will help to improve air quality in Portugal and is aligned with Europe's objective to reduce emissions. It supports the transition towards greener public transportation in urban areas without distorting competition."
The Commission found that low-emission buses had a low uptake in Portugal, given their high costs as compared to conventional buses. As a result, private operators are reluctant to invest in refuelling/recharging infrastructure for such low-emission buses, in turn making it harder for bus operators to switch to low-emission buses. For each bus, the aid will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 15% compared with current EU standards (Euro VI).
The Portuguese government will support 85% of the eligible costs through funding from the EU Cohesion Fund. Bus operators will bear the remainder, the Commission states. (Original version in French by Élodie Lamer)