• Transport Secretary, the Local Transport Minister, and Metro Mayors come together for UK bus manufacturing stocktake, promising to support highly skilled jobs that deliver the Plan for Change.
• Plans advanced to ensure a 10-year pipeline of zero-emission bus orders, with around 60% of zero-emission buses funded by government currently being built by UK-based manufacturers.
• Comes as the Bus Services Bill progresses through Parliament, with the government continuing to drive growth in the industries of the future and put passengers back at the heart of services

Greener journeys, skilled jobs and stronger UK manufacturing were all on the agenda as government ministers and metro mayors came together in Westminster to commit to greener transport and greater job opportunities across the regions.

The fifth meeting of the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel was chaired by the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, with wider attendance from mayors including David Skaith (York and North Yorkshire), Richard Parker (West Midlands), and Steve Rotheram (Liverpool), alongside the Scottish Government’s Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop, and Scottish Transport Secretary Kirsty McNeill.

The session focussed on the future pipeline of zero-emission bus orders, in order to give UK manufacturers the long-term certainty needed to invest and grow.

The panel also committed to ensuring that new zero emission buses bring real social benefits to the communities they serve, and work to support local employment, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Attendees also committed to ensuring that every pound of public money spent on zero emission buses provides the greatest social benefits for communities and the economy.

Further information: https://dft-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/mayors-and-ministers-back-british-manufacturers-and-greener-buses