New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows the number of new buses, coaches and minibuses joining UK roads grew substantially in 2024, with 1,570 new electric or hydrogen buses entering service, representing the highest volume of annual fleet renewal in 16 years. The zero-emission deliveries represented 43.9% of all new large PSVs registered.
A 70.1% increase in registrations saw a total of 8,390 buses, including 4,816 minibuses, join Britain’s roads during the year, making it the largest overall European bus market, reflecting growing operator confidence in ridership levels and substantial government funding for zero-emission technologies.
2024 saw robust demand across all segments, the figures show, with deliveries of minibuses more than doubling, up 102.5% to 4,816 registrations, and accounting for 57.4% of the overall market. Single- and double-decker bus deliveries also grew, up 22.5% and 69.6% to 1,973 and 1,601 units respectively.
Registrations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were all up, rising by 77.2%, 184.9% and 52.4% respectively, while roll-out in Scotland dropped by 15.6%. With its larger population, England accounted for the lion’s share (87.4%) of all vehicles delivered. The SMMT described the increase as a much needed boost for the sector, which is still recovering from historically low passenger levels during the pandemic.
The SMMT’s figures show that the UK rollout of zero-emission buses (ZEBs) was up by a third last year, making the UK Europe’s biggest ZEB market by volume for the second year running. “It’s a significant success,” says SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes, “one that’s driven by impressive manufacturer investment and innovation, as well as compelling incentives for operators. The passenger ultimately benefits as, like the superb driving experience often credited to electric cars, ZEBs offer an enhanced rider experience – more modern, smoother, quieter and cleaner – which will only encourage more ridership. Affordable mass green mobility is the bus sector’s long-term goal and with 17 different ZEB models now available, there is ever more choice for operators. Given the upfront cost of ZEBs and depot upgrades, however, further fleet decarbonisation depends on continuing to provide incentives, which are proven to work.
“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.”
