Net zero bus agenda pushes forward for local authorities

The fifth meeting of the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel took place yesterday (28th July), with transport secretary Heidi Alexander and local transport minister Simon Lightwood, with mayors from York and North Yorkshire, West Midlands, and Liverpool in attendance, as well as Scotland officer Kirsty McNeill and the Scottish government’s transport minister Fiona Hyslop.

The session focused on the future pipeline of zero-emission bus orders, in order to give UK manufacturers the long-term certainty needed to invest and grow, as well as committing to making sure that zero emission buses bring real social benefits to the communities they serve, and work to support local employment, sustainability, and inclusivity. 

Around 60 per cent of the zero emission buses funded by government are being built by UK-based manufacturers.

Yesterday’s meeting follows the inaugural meeting earlier this year, kickstarting a national initiative to help local authorities deliver green transport ambitions, and also a £38 million package to deliver 319 new zero emission buses across twelve cities in England by spring 2027.

The Bus Services Bill is currently progressing through Parliament, which will give local authorities more control over how their services are planned and delivers, as well as ending the use of new diesel buses in England no earlier than 2030.

Jason Prince, director at Urban Transport Group, said: “Investing in buses, especially greener, cleaner buses is good for our transport systems, our health and the economy. Government, operators and our members, working together through the manufacturing panel to unlock the full potential of greener buses will help realise the benefits for passengers and their local communities.”

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “It was great to bring mayors together today for the fifth meeting of the bus manufacturing expert panel, where we committed to building a strong pipeline of future zero-emission bus orders.

“By mapping out future demand, we’re giving industry the certainty they need to grow—supporting jobs, delivering better buses for passengers, and accelerating our journey towards a cleaner, greener transport system, while delivering our Plan for Change.”