By Zac Macdonald
Transport Minister Heidi Alexander has announced a landmark 10-year procurement plan for zero-emission buses, with 60% of the fleet to be built by UK-based manufacturers. The initiative is aimed at bolstering the domestic green transport industry while driving forward the country’s net-zero ambitions.
The announcement comes as the Bus Services Bill makes its way through Parliament, positioning itself as a key pillar in the government’s broader strategy to improve public transport and accelerate the shift to clean energy technology.
Speaking during a meeting with Metro Mayors, including Richard Parker of the West Midlands, Alexander said:
“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.”
https://gtnewspaper.com/category/tech-innovation/The long-term order is expected to provide stability to manufacturers and investors while also ensuring that transport operators can make reliable and cost-effective decisions in transitioning to electric and hydrogen-powered fleets.
By 2026, estimates suggest approximately 800 zero-emission buses—either electric or hydrogen-powered—will be operational across the West Midlands, making it one of the UK’s leading regions in clean public transport deployment.
The move builds on earlier commitments. In early 2025, the government unveiled a nearly £38 million investment to fund 319 new zero-emission buses across 12 English cities by spring 2027. Each pound of public funding is expected to be matched by at least £3 in private sector investment, creating a strong public-private partnership to scale green infrastructure.
Metro Mayor Richard Parker welcomed the announcement, saying: “This is a huge opportunity for the West Midlands to lead the way in sustainable public transport while creating good-quality jobs in the region. Our communities deserve cleaner air, and this is a significant step in that direction.”
The 10-year order is being hailed as a cornerstone of the UK’s effort to become a global leader in green tech manufacturing, with the added benefit of improving reliability, air quality, and affordability in public transportation systems across the country.
