Ministers and mayors commit to long-term investment in UK-built zero-emission buses

Government ministers and metro mayors, gathering at Westminster as the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel, have reaffirmed their commitment to low-emission transport and support for UK bus manufacturing.

One of the key aims was to provide greater certainty for manufacturers by exploring a 10-year pipeline of orders. Currently, around 60% of zero-emission buses funded through government schemes are being built in the UK. Ministers and mayors agreed that continued collaboration between local and national government would be vital to supporting skilled jobs, regional growth, and the transition to cleaner public transport.

Chaired by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, the meeting was attended by mayors from across the UK, including David Skaith (York and North Yorkshire), Richard Parker (West Midlands) and Steve Rotheram (Liverpool City Region), together with Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill and Scottish Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop.

Discussions centred on strengthening the domestic supply chain for zero-emission buses and ensuring long-term investment in UK-based manufacturing.

The panel also emphasised the importance of maximising social and economic benefits from public spending on new buses. Ensuring these investments contribute to local employment, sustainability, and inclusivity was a shared focus.

This meeting follows the panel’s inaugural session in Sheffield earlier in the year and coincides with the progress of the Bus Services Bill through Parliament. The Bill aims to grant local authorities greater control over service planning and introduces new powers to phase out new diesel buses in England from 2030 at the earliest.

The government recently announced nearly £38 million to fund 319 new zero-emission buses in 12 English cities, with projects in Nottinghamshire, Hull and the West of England among the largest.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said, “It was great to bring mayors together today for the fifth meeting of the bus manufacturing expert panel, where we committed to building a strong pipeline of future zero-emission bus orders.

‘By mapping out future demand, we’re giving industry the certainty they need to grow – supporting jobs, delivering better buses for passengers, and accelerating our journey towards a cleaner, greener transport system.”

Jason Prince, Director, Urban Transport Group said, “Investing in buses, especially greener, cleaner buses is good for our transport systems, our health and the economy. Government, operators and our members, working together through the manufacturing panel to unlock the full potential of greener buses will help realise these benefits for passengers and their local communities.”