A BUS firm is on a drive to help combat air pollution.

Keighley Bus Company says 83 per cent of its regular service vehicles have now been upgraded to meet the strictest Euro 6 low-emission standards – with more set to follow in the coming months.

Alex Hornby, the company’s chief executive officer, said: “We are proud to be playing our part towards protecting the environment through our continuing commitment to low-emission vehicles – at the same time as investing in high-specification buses that our customers are proud to be seen on.

“As we continue rebuilding our regional economy beyond the pandemic, we can’t just go back to congested streets and traffic jams.

“Getting back to the bus will help us to tackle congestion and pollution in our town and city centres. Over eight out of ten of our regular service bus fleet based in Keighley now meets the toughest Euro 6 emission standards.

“We also work closely in partnership with local, regional and national authorities and share our expertise in electric bus operation and emission-reducing technology with other bus operators.

“The West Yorkshire Bus Alliance has a target to upgrade all buses to Euro 6 standard or better in the next five years – and together we bid successfully to the Government’s Clean Bus Technology Fund to support our £8.036 million, five-year programme to make it happen.”

The drive led by parent firm Transdev to make more of Keighley Bus Company’s vehicles fully compliant with low-emission standards has received financial support from regional and local authorities.

Funding has included £833,000 from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and £136,000 from Leeds City Council.

Mr Hornby added: “The effort to upgrade more buses to match the strictest low-emission standards will continue for the remainder of this year and beyond.

“Transdev is also currently working with local authority partners on joint bids for grant funding to introduce more fully-electric, zero-emission buses.”

Clean air zones are planned in a number of cities across the country, including Bradford.

Private cars would not be charged for entering the zone.

But HGVs, buses, taxis and coaches that fail to meet clean-air standards would have to pay a levy.