UK bus market hit a 16-year high in 2024, with 1,570 zero-emission units
UK bus and coach market achieved in 2024 a second consecutive year of growth and, what is more, will be recorded as the best annual performance since 2008, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A 70.1% increase in registrations saw 8,390 buses (although more than half of […]
UK bus and coach market achieved in 2024 a second consecutive year of growth and, what is more, will be recorded as the best annual performance since 2008, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A 70.1% increase in registrations saw 8,390 buses (although more than half of the volume is made of minibuses) join Britain’s roads in 2024 to become the largest overall European bus market.
Single and double-decker bus deliveries also grew, up 22.5% to 1,973 units and 69.6% to 1,601 units respectively.
Zero emission bus market grew 35% in 2024
SMMT notes that “2024 saw robust demand across all segments, with deliveries of minibuses more than doubling, up 102.5% to 4,816 registrations, and accounting for 57.4% of the overall market.”.
Focusing on the zero emission bus market, SMMT highlights that the country maintained its status as Europe’s biggest ZEV bus market by volume, followed by record-breaking Italy, with 1,570 electric or hydrogen units entering service across all three bus types in 2024. “This represented a 35.5% increase in demand, driven in part by increased model availability, with operators able to choose from 17 options – particularly in the new single and double decker bus market, where ZEVs comprised 43.9% of registrations”, says SMMT.
Registrations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were all up, rising by 77.2%, 184.9% and 52.4% respectively, while rollout in Scotland dropped by -15.6%. With its larger population, England accounted for the lion’s share (87.4%) of all vehicles delivered.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Two years of growth and a 16-year high have cemented the recovery of Britain’s bus sector, with passenger numbers continuing to rise alongside increasing deliveries of new zero-emission buses. Government funding is helping deliver this standout performance and, as Europe’s largest zero emission bus market, we are well on our way to achieving our net zero goals, improving air quality and providing sustainable public transport in every region”.
