The deal agreed with the Confederation of Public Transport will see The Bus Service Operators Grant increase by £66 million this year.

As well as protecting free travel for thousands of pensioners and disabled people, it has been claimed the package will encourage bus operators to replace their ageing fleets with environmentally friendly 'green' machines – creating a potential boom in orders for ADL in Camelon who are world leaders in the design and production of low-carbon and hybrid buses.

The SNP claims the news delivers a massive shot in the arm for the firm.
Falkirk West SNP MSP Michael Matheson said: "As a result of the changes the bus operators grant will increase by 100 per cent if they switch to using low carbon and hybrid buses. Although this will clearly have environmental benefits, it will also help Alexander Dennis. They have been going through a difficult time lately, and it is extremely important that we do everything we reasonably can do to support the industry and this announcement shows the Scottish Government is doing what it can."

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