Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Zero-emission Buses

Thursday 16 December 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government committed to delivering 4000 zero-emission buses
  • Bid for 73 zero-emission buses in north-east under consideration
  • 9 electric buses currently operating in north-east region

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Transport Climate
Context

The government announced in February 2020 a plan to deliver 4,000 new zero-emission buses. The north-east bus fleet is older than the UK average.

Question

What progress has been made on delivering the 4,000 new zero-emission buses? Is aware that the north-east bus fleet is older than the national average and Transport North East is preparing a bid for funding 73 zero-emission buses. Will she back this bid to show genuine commitment to levelling up transport?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

The Government remain committed to supporting the roll-out of 4,000 zero-emission buses. I can give an assurance that the Department is across the detail of the bid for 73 zero-emission buses. This includes 49 buses for Go North East, 14 for Durham County Council and 10 for Northumberland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to expanding roll-out of zero-emission buses across the north-east or providing a timeline for additional buses beyond the current bid details

How: Looking At This

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Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Transport Energy
Context

The Prime Minister promised to deliver 4,000 zero-emission buses by 2025. Currently, no major British manufacturer has started production and the Department for Transport cannot show how many are on order.

Question

Where are the 4,000 zero-emission buses promised in February 2020? Can the Secretary of State confirm that funding will be given to British-based manufacturers under ZEBRA scheme contracts? When can we expect these buses to be on the road?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

We have nine electric buses operating in the north-east and 50 nationwide. There are 500 zero-emission buses supported through ZEBRA with £120 million investment, and a further 300 supported by all-electric bus city scheme. Over 100 zero-emission buses have been supported via ultra-low emission bus scheme since February 2020.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline or commitment for the future delivery of the remaining buses beyond current figures

How: Looking At This

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Q3 Richard Bacon Con
Business & Trade
Context

Equipmake, a fast-growing manufacturer of batteries for electric buses based in Hethel innovation centre in Norfolk, has moved to Wymondham. The company is seeking support.

Question

Will Ministers visit Equipmake to understand the cutting-edge technology in Norfolk and explain how the right support can help them grow?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

I would be delighted to accept that invitation. The UK has a wealth of bus and coach manufacturers, with about 80% of service buses made in the UK.

Answered
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Q4 Sam Tarry
Transport Environment
Context

The Transport Secretary confirmed to the committee that only 121 zero-emission buses are on the road in England, less than half outside London. The Scottish order book is full.

Question

How many of those 4,000 zero-emission buses are currently on order from bus manufacturers? When will any of these buses be on the road and when will all 4,000 be on the road?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

We already have 50 buses operating now with support from various schemes. As for more detailed information requested, I will endeavour to write to him.

Not addressed: Asked to write a letter instead of providing immediate answers

How: Too Early To Say

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Q5 Gavin Newlands SNP
Transport Climate
Context

The north-east bus fleet is older than the UK average, and Transport North East is preparing a bid for funding for 73 zero-emission buses. This needs to show genuine commitment to levelling up transport.

Question

Is the Minister aware of the north-east's aging bus fleet? In this season of good will, will she give her backing to the bid for 73 zero-emission buses to demonstrate a genuine commitment to levelling up transport?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

I can give an assurance that I am across the detail of the bid for 73 zero-emission buses, including 49 for Go North East, 14 for Durham County Council and 10 for Northumberland. We already have nine electric buses operating in the north-east.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to expanding roll-out of zero-emission buses across the north-east or provide a timeline beyond current bid details

How: Looking At This

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