£200 Million Boost for Zero-Emission Buses in Portsmouth and Hampshire
The Conservative Government has launched a £200 million fund under the Zero Emission Buses Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme, set to transform local bus services in Portsmouth and Hampshire. The councils will receive funding for 34 brand-new electric and hydrogen buses, benefiting thousands of passengers while slashing harmful emissions.
Slashing Emissions and Upgrading Transport
This bold move is expected to cut over 57,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, cleaning up the air and pushing the UK closer to its net zero goals. The new buses will not only provide a greener ride but also a cheaper and more accessible service for local travellers. It’s a major upgrade to bus networks that puts passengers first.
Part of a £3 Billion Push to Revolutionise Bus Travel
The funding forms part of a wider £3 billion Government plan aimed at overhauling UK bus services. The strategy includes:
- New priority bus lanes
- Lower, simpler fares
- More integrated ticketing
- Higher service frequency
This shake-up also supports bus manufacturing jobs, especially across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, giving the industry a welcome boost.
Government Leaders Hail the Green Transport Drive
“As we commit to slashing emissions and reaching net zero, our local transport network must play its part. This new funding for Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire will help deliver that – with 34 zero-emission buses – meaning we are well on track to phase out all non-zero-emission buses whilst upgrading our local transport network,” said Caroline.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps added: “I will level up and clean up our transport network. That’s why I have announced hundreds of millions of pounds to roll out zero emission buses nationwide. Not only will this improve the experience of passengers, but it will help support our mission to fund 4,000 of these cleaner buses, reach net zero emissions by 2050 and build back greener.”
“Today’s announcement is part of our National Bus Strategy which will introduce lower fares, helping drive down the cost of public transport even further for passengers.”
This latest investment builds on the £71 million already pumped into ZEBRA, aiming to deliver 4,000 zero-emission buses nationwide – the biggest bus overhaul in decades.
