WEST Yorkshire is likely to make a bid for the Government to help fund a zero carbon bus fleet for the region.

The Government has committed to funding a number of Zero Emission Bus Regional Area's across the country as part of its carbon reduction policy.

The strategy would commit to funding 4,000 zero emissions buses nationally  and ending the sale of diesel buses in these areas.

Four areas of the country are likely to be allocated as ZEBRAs, and the bus fleets in these areas would be shifted to either electric or hydrogen fuel powered.

At a meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Transport Committee on Friday, members will be asked to endorse participation in the scheme - which would require match funding and a commitment from local bus operators.

More buses in Bradford now meet 'Euro VI' emission targets - meaning they will avoid Clean Air Zone charges

A bid to be included in the scheme will need to be submitted by the Authority by next month.

A report to the committee says: "It is important that passenger revenues recover to ensure that the Transport Recovery Plan can deliver a transport network which delivers a more favourable situation for air quality and carbon generation than existed prior to the pandemic."

In September it was announced that two thirds of buses meet Euro VI engine standards - the minimum requirement for buses to enter the upcoming Bradford Clean Air Zones without paying a charge.

However, the ZEBRA would vastly accelerate the pace at which the region's bus fleet goes green.

The committee meets at 11am on Friday, and will also discuss how public transport is recovering following the lifting of many lockdown restrictions.