The UK government has announced a £38 million investment to support the deployment of 319 zero-emission buses by 2027, reinforcing its commitment to decarbonising public transport and stimulating growth in green industries.
The funding, part of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) programme, is directed at local authorities to expand their electric bus fleets, reduce emissions, and create jobs in manufacturing, construction, and engineering.
Key allocations include nearly £20 million to the West of England Combined Authority for 160 electric buses, £3.9 million to Hull City Council for 42 buses, and £2.3 million to Nottinghamshire County Council, also for 42 vehicles. Additional funding will support similar initiatives in other regions.
The investment contributes to the UK’s broader plan to phase out diesel and petrol buses, with the goal of reaching a fully zero-emission bus fleet. It also aligns with the Bus Services Bill, which is designed to give local authorities more control over service delivery and modernisation.
Private operators are expected to co-invest, accelerating the transition to cleaner fleets and reinforcing public-private collaboration in building a sustainable transport infrastructure.
