Liverpool City Region Awarded £7m for New Zero-Emission Buses
The Liverpool City Region is set to welcome dozens of new green buses to its streets following a significant government investment. The Department for Transport has confirmed it will award more than £7 million to the combined authority for 36 additional zero-emission buses.
This funding comes as part of the government's existing Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) project, which is investing £73 million nationwide. The majority of a new £10.5 million funding pot is being allocated to the Liverpool City Region to replace older diesel vehicles with cleaner alternatives.
Building on Recent Public Ownership Success
This announcement follows the recent confirmation that the first 100 publicly owned buses have been delivered to the region. In January, the first two operators of the new publicly operated network across St Helens and Wirral were confirmed, marking a significant step in the ongoing upgrade of the bus network throughout all six boroughs.
By embracing the public ownership model, the Liverpool City Region becomes only the second area outside London to run a publicly operated bus network. The electric buses delivered earlier this year are capable of running up to 275 miles on a single 90-minute charge.
Government and Local Leadership Praise Progress
Heidi Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Transport, emphasized the importance of this investment: "Buses are the backbone of our public transport system, and passengers in Liverpool deserve a network they can rely on and be proud of. This funding will replace polluting diesel buses with new electric vehicles that will make a real difference to people's daily lives."
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added: "Buses are the workhorses of our public transport system, so investing in cleaner, modern vehicles is one of the fastest ways we can improve journeys. This funding will help us bring dozens of additional new electric buses to the region, cutting emissions and improving air quality."
The new vehicles funded by this latest government investment will feature the iconic yellow and black Metro livery when delivered. Mr Rotheram described this as "another huge step as we build a faster, cheaper, cleaner, and better connected bus network for the future."
Industry Support for Greener Transport
Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, welcomed the announcement: "Today's announcement is a welcome step forward for the UK's transition to greener public transport. Bus operators across the country are committed to decarbonising their fleets."
He noted that the government funding announced today is being matched by more than £94 million of investment from operators in new vehicles and charging infrastructure. "This partnership between government and industry is exactly what is needed to deliver the next generation of greener, quieter buses while maintaining reliable services for passengers," he added.
The combined authority has already secured £1.6 billion from government for transport improvements, with this latest £7 million specifically targeted at expanding the zero-emission bus fleet. The initiative aims to better connect residents to work, healthcare, and opportunities while significantly reducing emissions and improving local air quality.
