• E-buses are cleaner, quieter, and excellent for the planet; they improve air quality and support climate targets.
• Stagecoach is on a mission to make its entire UK fleet zero-emission by 2035.

One of the leading bus operators in the UK, Stagecoach, has secured up to £7.9 million through the UK government's ZEBRA 2 programme to expand green transportation.

This will be in addition to the £50.6 million Stagecoach has already pledged to purchase more than 120 electric buses by 2027.

The new funding will support the company's expansion of its electric bus fleet, particularly in Hull and Mansfield, which would receive around 40% of the funding.

Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA 2) is a government programme run by the Department for Transport. Launched in 2023, the initiative helps local councils outside London buy green or zero-emission buses and associated infrastructure.

READ MORE: Path to Net-Zero Emissions in Air Transport by 2050

Matthew Cranwell, Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director, said: “Stagecoach prides itself on the importance of putting sustainability at the core of its business strategy. We're delighted to be working with local authorities and the Government to invest in new electric buses to play our part improving air quality in those regions where we operate.

“This new Government funding, supported by significant investment from bus operators, will play a key role in Stagecoach's transition to green bus fleets, helping us to meet our goal of having a zero emission UK bus fleet nationally, by 2035. Here in Hull, we are delighted that the funding will support the roll out of 55 new electric buses."

The government has set aside a total of £143 million for 25 local authorities to purchase 955 electric buses to hit the road across England.

Stagecoach says this announcement is part of its efforts to expand sustainability in transportation and reduce pollution. About 10% of its 8,400 buses are already electric, and the operator has plans to make its entire UK bus fleet zero-emission by 2035.

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In the East Midlands, 23% of Stagecoach’s 522 buses are already going green, and the funding will speed up the transition to net zero operations.

The company said Hull alone will receive 55 new electric buses, creating more jobs in the green energy sector.

Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “I’m thrilled to announce this £38m investment, which will deliver 319 new zero-emission buses to communities across England by 2027. This funding will not only make bus travel cleaner, greener, and more comfortable, but it will also create jobs, support local economies, and accelerate our journey towards a zero-emission future.

“By backing local councils and UK manufacturers, we are putting the power in the hands of communities, while helping to deliver on our vision of a sustainable, green transport network. From Hull to Hove, there’s an electrifying future on the way for our buses.”

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Source: Stagecoach