The funding comes from the Zero Emission Buses Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme, which was launched last year to allow local transport authorities to bid for funding to purchase zero emission buses.
In late March, the government announced £198.3 million of funding to provide 943 buses.
The first orders have already been placed. Hundreds more zero emission buses have been funded in London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, says the government.
Jobs in the bus manufacturing industry – based largely in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England – will be supported as a result of the move.
Transport Minister Baroness Vere said: “Today’s multimillion-pound investment is an enormous step towards a cleaner future, helping ensure transport is fit for generations to come and allowing millions of people to get around in a way that is kinder to our environment.”
The areas whose business cases were approved and will be receiving funding are:
- Norfolk
- North Yorkshire
- Portsmouth
- Blackpool
- Nottingham
- Greater Manchester
- Hertfordshire
- South Yorkshire
- Oxfordshire
- West Midlands
- York
- West Yorkshire
Independently, South Yorkshire announced it had received £8.3m for up to 27 buses, and York £8.4m – with First Group adding £10m -- for up to 44 buses .
Government funding of Transport for London has supported the introduction of 300 zero emission in London. Around 600 zero emission buses have been funded in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as a result of the block grant to the devolved administrations.
In other news, the government has launched a public consultation seeking views on setting a specific date between 2025 and 2032 for ending the sale of new non-zero emission (at the tailpipe) buses. This would mean that, from 2032 at the very latest, the sale of all new buses, powered either in part, or totally, by an internal combustion engine, would cease to be allowed. Any new buses sold from that date would need to be fully zero-emission at the tail pipe and the end of sales would apply across the whole of the UK. Such a move would bolster the market for zero-emission buses, making them the default choice for operators to transition sooner. The consultation, which is available to read via the link below, closes on 21 May.
Calls for evidence have also been launched on ending the sale of new non-zero emission coaches and minibuses, allowing evidence to be gathered on the challenges to moving to a zero-emission fleet, and what an appropriate end of sales date might be.
Reacting to the news, SMMT Mike Hawes said: ““Ending the sale of new fossil-fuelled buses and coaches will require even more extensive investments [than expanding the zero-emission e-bus vehicle parc]. Dedicated infrastructure – above and beyond what has been pledged this week for electric car usage – will be required if, as seems likely, buses are to be the first heavy vehicle segment to decarbonise. The coach sector, meanwhile, will also need a dedicated and complete package of measures, including incentives, plus suitable parking and charging provision across the UK.”