Rural Zero Emission Bus Taskforce

CPT established the Rural Zero Emission Bus Taskforce in June 2023 to identify the specific challenges facing operators of rural bus services. Whilst the transition to zero emission vehicles continues to be a challenge for all the bus sector, these challenges are exacerbated for rural services due to their nature.

The report Delivering Zero Emission Bus Services to Rural Areas was published in February 2024.

Read CPT's media release.

The Taskforce consists of industry experts from the Rural Zero Emission Bus Taskforce (RZEBT) that’s led by the Confederation of Passenger Transport and includes leaders from the bus, manufacturing and energy supply industries.  

It sets out how, by working in partnership, rural areas can become a driving force for the UK’s transition to a zero emission bus fleet. It includes positive quick-win, cost-neutral solutions to help rural bus operators successfully transition to zero emission vehicles.

The report calls for the Government to provide additional support through:

• Working with Ofgem to introduce a new statutory duty on Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) which will prioritise grid infrastructure that will deliver social and community benefits. This will ensure that bus depots are moved higher up the priority list and help accelerate the process of increasing electricity supplied to depots.
• Developing a hydrogen strategy that gives certainty over the supply of green hydrogen for bus and coach operators, and ensuring operators can access shared refuelling sites. It is vital that the Health and Safety Executive are given the appropriate training to certify hydrogen refuelling stations and mitigate the risk of stranded assets.
• A longer-term approach to funding, with a five year £1 billion investment programme in zero emission buses and infrastructure in England, along with the continuation of support through the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Scheme (ScotZEB) in Scotland and similar continued support in Wales, which will instil confidence so the whole bus sector transitions to zero emissions.. Government investment leverages private sector investment, with the recent ZEBRA funding scheme attracting around £1.20 of private investment for every £1 of central government investment.

Read the report: Delivering Zero Emission Bus Services to Rural Areas