While much has been made of the surge in electric car registrations, buses are also a vehicle class where electrification is growing. This success is a great example of national, local government and industry cooperation. We should also add that these vehicles are popular with the travelling public.
Buses and their wider use are key to the delivery of the UK’s decarbonisation, air quality, and future mobility strategy. However, the recent pandemic has wreaked havoc across the sector. Even as the economy recovers, ridership seems stuck at just 60% of pre-Covid levels.
With operator emergency funding due to expire at the end of April, there is considerable concern across all stakeholders about the long-term viability of the industry. In an industry that has long investment cycles, one thing the SMMT regularly calls for is clarity. Now more than ever, this is what we need.
