reducing carbon emissions

the future

Nevertheless, the industry recognises that the future of urban road transport lies with ultra-low and zero emission vehicles. Operators and bus manufacturers are now developing the next generation of such vehicles that will help improve air quality and address climate change through carbon reduction. The challenge is to ensure that the UK can provide the technology which allows operators to continue to runcommercial, economic and efficient high frequency services for at least 21 (and ideally 24) hours a day. Support from government is needed to ensure the development of adequate technology, including battery life and charging points, to make this a reality.

We call on the government to:

• Continue to work with the industry to agree a joint road map to zero emissions transport under the Road to Zero Strategy, including a commitment to continue support for the extra purchase cost of ultra-low and zero emission vehicles until prices progressively align with comparators.
• Work with the electricity and fuel supply sectors to ensure the electric and other alternative fuel infrastructure is in place to connect bus depots and strategic locations.
• Put in place a clear plan under the Government’s Industrial Strategy that will support the UK’s manufacturing and supply chain in improving and developing important technologies, including clean diesel, battery and low-carbon technologies.

And in return we commit to:

• Only purchase next generation ultra-low or zero emissions buses from 2025 (but starting this process by 2023 in some urban areas).
• Develop a closer partnership with manufacturers and suppliers to drive further efficiencies in zero emission vehicles by providing certainty about future bus numbers to help their investment planning and secure economies of scale.
• Maximise our investment in new and retrofit Euro VI, helped by what government needs to do for retrofit, to exploit the cost-effectiveness and low emissions of Euro VI vehicles.