Net Zero Bus Taskforce launched for rural services
A new Net Zero Bus Taskforce (NZBT) has been set up by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) to help rural bus services transition to zero emission technologies.
The move has been made to assist operators decarbonise longer distance services in remote areas, with the CPT calling for action for the sector, in the absence of a clear roadmap and a date for the end of diesel buses not yet confirmed.
The first meeting of the RZEBT took place on 29 June, and will in the coming months explore the decarbonisation challenges in rural areas. Using an evidence-based approach, the taskforce will then identify potential solutions to help operators overcome them, it said.
The Rural Zero Emission Buses Taskforce (RZEBT) follows the bus sector investing in the last eight year more than £2bn in Euro VI and green bus technology, and the government’s ZEBRA scheme’s investment of £233m from the private sector. But the current range of electric batteries, and a lack of refuelling and charging points on roads and in depots, pose a significant challenge to operators in running longer distance zero emission vehicles across rural communities, the CPT said.
Jeff Counsell, Chair of the Rural Zero Emission Buses Taskforce and former MD of Trentbarton and Kinchbus, said: “I am delighted to be chairing this new, forward looking taskforce, established to help our rural bus services overcome the challenges to transitioning to zero emission vehicles. The road to zero presents many obstacles for all bus operators, however due to the extended range and topography of routes, our rural services face even greater challenges.
“I look forward to working with stakeholders from across the bus, infrastructure and energy sectors to name a few, to develop a strategy that will ensure our rural services can transition sustainably to zero emission technologies and continue to provide the valuable service for passengers in more remote areas.”
CPT’s Policy Manager Becki Kite said: “Long distance rural bus services are vital for connecting passengers in more remote areas to work, leisure, education, and medical appointments.
“To help deliver a sustainable, fully funded, and long-term roadmap for operators in rural areas, CPT has set up a Rural Zero Bus Emission Taskforce with industry stakeholders and government to create a springboard of positive action.
“We are encouraging all interested stakeholders from operators, local transport authorities, DfT, energy and infrastructure providers who want to drive forward a better approach to rural bus service decarbonisation to sign up to the Taskforce.”
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