Stagecoach secures further ZEBRA 2 funding
- Transport Minister Simon Lightwood announces a further £38m of funding for bus ZEBRA 2 schemes in the UK during visit to Hull
- Stagecoach has been awarded a potential £7.9m for its existing schemes
- 40% of this additional £7.9m funding would potentially be invested in Hull and Mansfield to expand its electric vehicle fleet
- This funding will supplement £50.6m Stagecoach has already pledged to invest in more than 120 electric vehicles by 2027
Stagecoach Group has potentially secured an additional £7.9m funding from the Government’s ZEBRA 2 initiative. This funding will supplement the £50.6m investment Stagecoach has already pledged to roll-out 120 new electric vehicles across its fleet by 2027.
The funding marks a significant step forward in Stagecoach's ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, with nearly 10% of the Group’s 8,400 strong fleet now electric.
ZEBRA 2 funding, short for the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme, launched in 2023 and is a Department for Transport initiative providing £143 million to support 25 local authorities in England (excluding London) to purchase 955 zero-emission buses and related infrastructure.
Matthew Cranwell, Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director, said: “Stagecoach prides itself on the importance of putting sustainability at the core of its business strategy. We're delighted to be working with local authorities and the Government to invest in new electric buses to play our part improving air quality in those regions where we operate. “
“This new Government funding, supported by significant investment from bus operators, will play a key role in Stagecoach's transition to green bus fleets, helping us to meet our goal of having a zero emission UK bus fleet nationally, by 2035. Here in Hull, we are delighted that the funding will support the roll out of 55 new electric buses."
With nearly 23% of the company’s 522 strong fleet in the East Midlands transitioning to electric power, this expansion will continue to position Stagecoach as a leader in cleaner, greener public transport.
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “I’m thrilled to announce this £38m investment, which will deliver 319 new zero-emission buses to communities across England by 2027. This funding will not only make bus travel cleaner, greener, and more comfortable, but it will also create jobs, support local economies, and accelerate our journey towards a zero-emission future.
“By backing local councils and UK manufacturers, we are putting the power in the hands of communities, while helping to deliver on our vision of a sustainable, green transport network. From Hull to Hove, there’s an electrifying future on the way for our buses.”
Stagecoach’s electric vehicle fleet has already been delivering a cleaner travel experience in cities and regions across the UK, with electric buses offering quieter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional diesel-powered vehicles.
The investment in new electric vehicles will also contribute to job creation in the green energy sector and help ensure Stagecoach is equipped to meet the UK’s ambitious climate goals. Stagecoach continues to work alongside the Government, local authorities, and other stakeholders to promote clean energy solutions in public transport.