UK buses the greenest in Europe
New statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal that investment in buses in the UK continues unabated, with zero emission buses representing a quarter of all new registrations.
The second quarter was the fifth in a row in which the number of new buses, coaches and minibuses joining Britain’s roads has grown.
The 1,826 new vehicles is a 61.7% increase on last year’s second quarter figure.
The fact that there has been a continued rise in year-on-year demand since the start of 2023 is partly due to a bounce back following the absence of investment during the pandemic, when demand was at a historic low; but also to government efforts to stimulate demand, through incentives such as the Bus Fare Cap Grant.
Of the three vehicle types under discussion, demand for new minibuses rose 97.2%, for new double decker buses 100.5% while single deck buses were less keenly sought, seeing a rise of just 12.1%.
New registrations of zero emission buses grew by a third (36.3%) to 424 units during the quarter, giving the UK the largest ZEV bus market by volume in Europe, with Italy, Germany and France follwing behind.
The SMMT speculate that as the transition to electric is somewhat simpler for buses – they are depot-based and follow predictable routes – the bus fleet could reach net zero before any other vehicle sector.
However, it can be seen that smaller and rural bus operators are finding it less simple to fund the purchase of a new vehicle and its required infrastructure.
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.’
