Zero-emission Buses

The Member congratulates his right hon. Friend on securing the debate, highlighting the importance of buses in public transport systems and their role in achieving net zero objectives. He mentions ongoing projects such as a £20 million project in North Yorkshire under the ZEBRA scheme that includes 71 new electric buses for Harrogate and Knaresborough. The Member also shares operational challenges experienced during the initial roll-out of electric buses, including reconfiguration of depots, training staff, and upgrading electricity supply infrastructure.

Commends Community Transport Glasgow, based in Shettleston area of his constituency, for their efforts towards net zero.

I am concerned that the UK Government is falling behind other countries in transitioning to zero-emission buses. Despite Scotland setting ambitious targets, the lack of support from Westminster undermines our efforts. Clarified that the UK Government has not funded the buses in Scotland; questioned whether the 4,000 bus pledge is England-only or UK-wide.

The MP set the context for the debate, highlighting the decline in bus services due to Conservative government policies over 12 years. She cited statistics showing a reduction of 134 million miles of bus lanes, more than 5,000 cut routes, and passenger numbers slumping by 10% while fares doubled. The MP also expressed concern about funding cuts affecting South Yorkshire's ability to invest in zero-emission buses and the overall decline in local public transport services.

Hydrogen is seen as a key component in the zero-emission bus mix. Hydrogen buses require shorter maintenance periods, can be refuelled quickly, and support British jobs through production and manufacturing. Jacob Young asks the Government to not forget about hydrogen, support steps for storage and distribution of hydrogen, and resolve issues with the renewable transport fuel obligation. The hon. Lady is asked whether the Mayor of South Yorkshire has similar transport responsibilities to the Mayor of London, and joins in condemning the proposed cancellation of bus services by the Mayor of London.

There is an urgent need to address air quality in our cities. The switch to zero-emission buses will not only improve public health but also reduce noise pollution, benefiting the environment and residents alike.

Congratulates the right hon. Gentleman on introducing a debate on zero-emission buses, noting Northern Ireland's commitment to such buses through Translink and its plan to manufacture them alongside other regions of the UK up to 2032. The hon. Gentleman agreed with the previous point, emphasizing the necessity of a strategic plan led by the Government to ensure coordinated efforts between councils and bus companies for infrastructure such as charging points. Shannon thanked the right hon. Member for Scarborough and Whitby for leading the debate, highlighting the importance of a UK-wide strategy to combat emissions from transport. He noted that public transport usage has decreased since the pandemic but praised Northern Ireland's Translink Gliders initiative, which uses electric hybrid technology. Shannon also mentioned Wrightbus in his constituency as a leader in hydrogen bus development and emphasised the role of local initiatives like park and ride systems in reducing emissions.

Alexander Dennis Ltd has a factory in Falkirk and I am concerned about the impact on the local economy if orders for zero-emission buses do not materialise. The company employs 1,850 people across eight sites in the UK.

Mr. McNally highlighted the importance of his local bus manufacturer, Alexander Dennis Ltd., which is the UK's largest bus and coach manufacturer with a market share above 60%. He mentioned that ADL employs nearly 2,000 people in the UK and has eight sites across the country. He also noted that ADL is investing heavily in innovation and engineering for zero-emission vehicles but needs the Government to deliver on their funding promises.

Discussed the importance of zero-emission buses, particularly highlighting the need for both electric and hydrogen buses to cater to urban and rural needs. Raised concerns about the current high cost of zero-emission buses compared to diesel ones due to market volume issues and capital costs. Emphasized the requirement for additional charging infrastructure in Plymouth and a hydrogen network extending into Cornwall, Devon and the South Hams. Advocated for a clearer Government plan on production, manufacture of batteries, and accompanying infrastructure. Mr. Pollard intervened, expressing concern over the lack of power infrastructure at bus depots and ports which could hinder the transition to electric vehicles. He suggested that there is a need for both a bus strategy and a power strategy working with BEIS.