England, 8 April 2025: With a significant investment of £37.8 million by the government, bus journeys in England are expected to become cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable for passengers. The funding will support the deployment of 319 zero emission buses in communities across the country by spring 2027.

In a push to decarbonise transport and bolster the UK’s green economy, every pound of government support is being matched by at least £3 of private sector investment. 12 local authorities secured funding after successfully bidding to expand their zero emission bus fleets. This announcement follows recent updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, offering increased flexibility up to 2030 and allowing the sale of hybrid vehicles until 2035 — all designed to support domestic EV manufacturers.

In an official press release by the Government of UK, Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, stated, “I’m thrilled to announce this £38 million investment, which will deliver 319 new zero-emission buses to communities across England by 2027.

This funding will not only make bus travel cleaner, greener, and more comfortable, but it will deliver on our Plan for Change; creating jobs, supporting local economies, and accelerating our journey towards a zero-emission future.

By backing local councils and UK manufacturers, we are putting the power in the hands of communities, while helping to deliver on our vision of a sustainable, green transport network.

From Hull to Hove, there’s an electrifying future on the way for our buses.”

Among the largest recipients of the funding are Nottinghamshire County Council (£2.6 million for 42 buses), Hull City Council (£3.9 million for 42 buses), and the West of England Combined Authority, which will receive nearly £20 million to bring in 160 new buses.

The initiative complements the ongoing Zero Emission Bus Regional Area 2 (ZEBRA 2) programme, which has already funded 995 zero emission buses nationwide. In Bristol, the new funding will help extend electric bus services across 22 routes, enhancing access to key services such as hospitals and universities.

In the press release, Matt Cranwell, Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director, said, “Stagecoach prides itself on the importance of putting sustainability at the core of our business strategy. We’re delighted to be working with local authorities and the Government to invest in a further 78 new electric buses to play our part in improving air quality in those regions where we operate.

This new government funding, supported by significant investment by bus operators, will play a key role in Stagecoach’s transition to green bus fleets, helping us to meet our goal of having a zero emission UK bus fleet nationally by 2035.”

According to the government reports, manufacturers are well placed to benefit from these new bus orders. 60% of buses funded under previous ZEBRA rounds were sourced from UK-based manufacturers, demonstrating its dedication to promoting skilled employment and domestic manufacturing in line with its Plan for Change.

Additionally, the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel has been formed to ensure regional leaders and manufacturers have a say in the country’s zero emission transport future. A recent panel in Sheffield, hosted by Minister Lightwood, brought together leaders such as Alexander Dennis and Wrightbus with regional mayors to align local transport and climate goals.

In the same press release, Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus, commented, “We’re very grateful to the Department of Transport for this continued partnership. Together we’re investing in even more zero-emission buses so that customers across the UK can access cleaner, greener public transport. This funding will support new zero-emissions buses in Hull, Salisbury, Brighton and Hove, Plymouth and Isle of Wight.”

The upcoming Bus Services Bill is also expected to bolster local authority control over transport services and will introduce a legislative measure to end the sale of new diesel and petrol buses in England. With continued collaboration between government, industry, and local partners, the road ahead for green transport looks increasingly promising.