The United Kingdom’s fresh bus, coach, and minibus market experienced a 74.6% increase in the initial trimester of 2024, with 1,690 public service automobiles hitting the roads nationwide, as per new data disclosed today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The surge highlights the steadfast revival of the passenger transport sector following the pandemic, where ridership plummeted steeply.1
The expansion was propelled by a more than twofold surge in the demand for new minibuses, up 118.8% to 851 units – with these vehicles catering to vital necessities across British society, from educational institutions to healthcare and social assistance, and the non-profit sector. Simultaneously, investments in the most recent single and double-decker buses escalated by 33.6% and 70.0% to 533 units and 306 units, correspondingly, as transporters reacted to the swelling number of passengers,2 augmented by initiatives like the Bus Fare Cap Grant.
The demand also showcased a greener trend, with 322 zero-emission models hitting the streets, marking a 22.9% increase compared to the same period last year, upholding the industry’s forefront role in the UK’s conversion to sustainable road mobility. Buses usually present a less intricate decarbonization process due to their depot-oriented circular and steady routes, thus, the prompt implementation of the subsequent round of Zero Emission Bus Regional Area financing is crucial so that all regions in the UK can enjoy the benefits – ranging from enhanced air quality and diminished noise pollution to a more enjoyable customer journey.
Meanwhile, minibuses retain their position as the largest segment in the market but face distinct hurdles in transitioning to zero-emission operations. A significant obstacle to earlier adoption is the licensing constraints that disallow standard vehicle license holders from driving a minibus weighing more than 4.25 tonnes – restricting access to many zero-emission models for operators. A sensible regulatory exemption to remove this barrier is expected to be enacted but not until 2025. Advancing this timeline to 2024 would empower operators to make current investments, providing some of the most fragile individuals in society with better access to cutting-edge green technology.
Britain’s road passenger transportation sector is continuing its resurgence amid escalating ridership and growing confidence among operators. The UK has achieved significant success in greening the fresh bus market; however, the eco-friendly expansion needs to encompass all sectors, especially minibuses. Transporters are eager to transition to sustainable mobility, but timely measures are indispensable to ensure that the path to net-zero includes everyone.
1 UK annual bus statistics 2020-2021,
2 UK annual bus statistics 2022-2023,
SOURCE: SMMT