UK allocates £73.2 million to support 484 zero-emission buses across England

The UK government has allocated £73.2 million to support 484 zero-emission buses across England.

The funding, assigned to councils and combined authorities, is complemented by £94 million from operators and local authorities, bringing total investment to over £167 million. The news is reported on local specialist media Route-one and also covered on trade agency electrive. The allocations are largely structured as extensions of existing Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas programmes.

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South Yorkshire and major allocations

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) receives the largest share, £33.42 million, to support 186 battery-electric buses in Sheffield. The programme includes £59.28 million for vehicles and £25.99 million for infrastructure, including the electrification of the Olive Grove depot. Sheffield and Doncaster are scheduled as the first areas to transition under bus franchising from September 2027.

Tees Valley Combined Authority is allocated £11 million for 82 electric buses and the electrification of depots in Hartlepool and Darlington, with completion expected by 2027. The region is set to reach 170 electric buses in operation, with Arriva receiving 54 units and Stagecoach 28.

Liverpool City Region will receive £7 million for 36 buses, aligned with its franchising plans.

Devon County Council is allocated £7.53 million for 90 buses, while the Isle of Wight receives £3.67 million for 23 vehicles, complemented by £8.1 million from Southern Vectis for a total of 31 buses, including open-top electric double-deckers. North East Combined Authority receives £3.6 million for 18 buses, with near-term deployment planned across several towns.

Reading Borough Council is assigned £3 million for 17 buses and charging infrastructure (2027–2028), West Northamptonshire £2.2 million for 17 buses, Nottinghamshire £1 million for 11 buses, and Surrey £0.5 million for four vehicles.

Infrastructure investments across the programme include depot electrification and charging systems, alongside vehicle procurement.