Arriva to add 800+ new buses, half zero-emission, in £340m UK investment

Arriva Group has announced in mid-March a £340m investment programme in the UK, with communities in West Yorkshire the first to benefit from brand-new lower-emission buses.

The programme is set to fund new vehicles and depot upgrades.

The first phase is already underway, with 50 new single and double-decker buses entering service in West Yorkshire as part of the nationwide fleet renewal programme, Arriva states.

The programme includes a £310m investment in 809 brand-new vehicles and the refurbishment of more than 150 vehicles that are already in operation. A further £30m will be invested in upgrades to the company’s property portfolio, in addition to continued investment in depot electrification schemes.

Arriva investment in the UK for over 800 new buses

By the end of the programme, more than 500 new buses will join Arriva’s regional fleets, with a further 300 vehicles delivered for Arriva’s London operations. Over 50 per cent of the new vehicles will be fully electric, with the remainder being low emission. Nearly 20 per cent of Arriva’s regional bus fleet will be replaced within 18 months, the operator states.

The breakdown is as follows: Alexander Dennis will supply 221 regional buses and 30 for London, totaling 251 buses; Wrightbus is providing 118 regional buses and 14 for London, with a total of 132; Volvo/MCV has ordered 124 regional buses and 72 for London, for a total of 196 buses; and BYD will contribute 39 regional buses and a substantial 191 for London, amounting to 230 buses. Of the fleet, 345 will be single-deck buses, while the remaining 464 are double-deck buses.

The programme of investment will also significantly expand Arriva’s zero-emission depot capability with sites in Thornton Heath, Palmers Green, Dartford and Thurmaston (Leicester) becoming fully electric, joining Brixton Tram Shed as 100% zero-emission depots. Further electrification is planned in Blyth, Durham, Darlington and Tamworth in partnership with local authorities. Every region where Arriva UK Bus operates will benefit from the investment programme.

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Arriva UK Bus, said: “This is just the start of a major investment programme that will transform our operations across the UK for the benefit of both customers and colleagues. Buses play a vital role in connecting communities, reducing congestion, improving air quality and supporting economic growth. We are investing to make journeys even greener, while demonstrating our long-term commitment to the UK bus market and to the customers we serve.”