Greener transport, skilled jobs and stronger UK manufacturing were in focus in Westminster earlier this week as government ministers and metro mayors pledged to accelerate the transition to zero-emission buses and boost regional economies.
The fifth meeting of the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel brought together Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood with mayors including David Skaith (York and North Yorkshire), Richard Parker (West Midlands) and Steve Rotheram (Liverpool). They were joined by Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill and Scottish Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop.
The session centred on building a long-term pipeline of zero-emission bus orders to give UK manufacturers the certainty needed to invest, expand production and protect jobs. Panel members reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that every pound of public funding delivers maximum social and economic benefits, from supporting skilled employment to cutting emissions and improving transport access.
Around 60% of zero-emission buses funded through the government’s ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas) programme are currently built in the UK. The panel pledged to work closely with local authorities to sustain this level and help the sector compete globally.
“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,” said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
Earlier this year, ministers announced £38m to deliver 319 zero-emission buses in 12 English cities by spring 2027, with at least £3 of private investment for every pound of public funding. Major beneficiaries include Nottinghamshire County Council (£2.3m for 42 electric buses), Hull City Council (£3.9m for 42 buses) and the West of England Combined Authority (£20m for 160 buses). An additional £28m has been allocated for new zero-emission buses in Sheffield and Bradford to cut air pollution on key routes.
The drive towards cleaner bus travel is underpinned by the Bus Services Bill, now progressing through Parliament, which will give local authorities greater control over planning services and introduce new powers to end the sale of diesel buses in England from no earlier than 2030.
Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said investment in greener buses is “good for our transport systems, our health and the economy,” adding that government, operators and manufacturers working together “will help realise these benefits for passengers and their local communities.”
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