Rural areas in England are set to see significant improvements in their local transport systems, as the government allocates £143 million to introduce almost a thousand new zero emission
buses. This investment aims to enhance the passenger experience and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has announced that 25 councils across England will receive funding to upgrade their bus fleets, with particular emphasis on rural regions. This initiative is part of the government's strategy to enhance local transportation networks.
The funding, derived from the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) program, will see the deployment of new electric buses in various towns, villages, and cities throughout England. This includes remote areas that will benefit from zero emission buses for the first time.
The UK has emerged as a leader in zero emission buses within Europe, with electric buses comprising nearly half of all new large buses introduced last year. This investment builds upon the success of the first round of ZEBRA funding, totaling over £270 million across 16 local transport authorities and councils.
By prioritizing rural communities in the allocation of the initial £40 million, the government aims to ensure that all parts of England benefit from improved bus services and green technology. This funding supplements the substantial investment of over £3.5 billion since 2020 to safeguard and enhance bus services in England.
The introduction of zero emission buses not only promotes environmental sustainability but also supports skilled jobs and economic growth. Additionally, these modern buses will offer passengers quieter, more comfortable journeys.
Furthermore, the government's commitment to improving local roads, with an £8.3 billion investment to resurface over 5,000 miles of roads in England, complements the transition to zero emission buses. This significant funding, made possible by reallocated HS2 funding, underscores the government's dedication to enhancing local transportation infrastructure.
Alison Edwards, Director of Policy and External Relations at the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), welcomed the government's support for accelerating investment in zero emissions vehicles and charging infrastructure. She highlighted the opportunity for Britain to lead in creating a modern zero emission bus network, which offers sustainable transport options for passengers while improving air quality and enhancing the overall passenger experience. Photo by Alex Noble, Wikimedia commons.