UK’s bus fleet could reach net zero first
The UK’s bus fleet could reach net zero before any other vehicle sector, with figures released by the the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showing that new registrations of the latest, greenest buses rose by a third (36.3%) to 424 units during Q2 2024.
As a result, the UK continues to sit at the very front of the European green bus transition as the largest ZEV bus market by volume in Europe, followed by Italy, Germany and France. Net zero commitments from government have been crucial, including England’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Area funding and the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund – helping almost a quarter (23.2%) of all new vehicle purchases to decarbonise in the first half of 2024.
With buses now leading Britain’s road vehicle decarbonisation – helped by a less complex transition than cars, vans and trucks, given buses have depot-based, circular and consistent routes – the bus fleet could reach net zero before any other vehicle sector, according to the SMMT. Zero emission uptake is uneven between different UK nations and regions, however, with smaller and rural bus operators facing particularly acute challenges to fund the purchase of a new vehicle and its required infrastructure.
SMMT’s latest position paper Next Stop, Net Zero: The Route To A Decarbonised UK Bus Market sets out the need for a clear timetable to put every region, operator, driver and passenger on the journey to net zero – with long-term, accessible support for fleets of all sizes. The gains are significant, giving everyone equal access to mass green mobility and the benefits it provides – from improved local air quality and lower noise pollution to a more enjoyable customer experience.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“A boost in uptake of new buses which provide mass mobility across the nation is also a boost for our economy and society, given the vital role these vehicles play – from commuting and staycations to transport for schools, charities and health and social care. At the same time, fleets continue to go green in rising numbers and, with suitably ambitious incentives and infrastructure is in place, buses and the communities which depend on them could be the UK’s first to reach net zero.”
Overall, the number of new buses, coaches and minibuses joining Britain’s roads increased by 61.7% to 1,826 units in the second quarter of 2024 as the country’s bus sector posted its fifth consecutive quarter of growth. A continued rise in year-on-year demand since the start of 2023 reflects the gradual return of operator confidence following a period of sharp decline during the pandemic, when ridership levels fell dramatically. The recent growth, however, owes a large part to government measures to stimulate demand, notably though the Bus Fare Cap Grant.
Growth in the quarter was driven by a doubling in demand for new minibuses, up 97.2% with 903 vehicles providing crucial transport services across the country, from schools to social care and third sector organisations. Deliveries of new double decker buses also grew two-fold, up 100.5% to 387 units while new single deck bus uptake rose by a more modest 12.1%.
Every UK nation except Scotland saw growth, with fleet renewal in England up 69.6% to 1,557 units while demand in Northern Ireland rose by more than half (54.8%) to 48 units. The largest increase was in Wales, with rollout up more than seven-fold to 116 units after just 12 were registered during Q2 last year. Conversely, uptake in Scotland fell by -36.0% to 105 units compared with a particularly strong Q2 last year.
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