Go Ahead to Invest £500 Million in Decarbonizing UK Bus Fleet

British transport company Go Ahead plans to invest £500 million over the next three years to decarbonize its bus fleet, according to a Reuters report.  

This funding will enable the delivery of 1,200 zero-emission buses, produced by WrightBus in Northern Ireland. The initiative aims to advance Britain's net zero goals and enhance the country's overall quality of bus services. 

The collaboration is reported to generate up to 500 manufacturing jobs in the UK potentially. Additionally, for each bus produced, the companies will plant 10 trees in the towns and cities where the buses are deployed. 

The move to decarbonise arrives when the government announced a new UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel. In addition, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is also due to meet key industry leaders on October 8, including Wrightbus owner Jo Brmford and Bamford and CEO Jean-Marc Gales, to reaffirm its commitment to decarbonising local transport. 

Haigh is set to unveil intentions to establish a fresh UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel, which will unite professionals from the industry and community leaders in order to support local governments in achieving their transportation goals and adopting zero-emission transport technologies. 

This announcement is made in anticipation of the upcoming International Investment Summit, where Haigh will conduct several bilateral meetings aimed at attracting additional investment to advance the country’s transport priorities.  

Additionally, the Prime Minister will host the inaugural Council of Nations and Regions later this week, gathering First Ministers, Northern Ireland’s First Minister and Deputy First Minister, along with regional mayors from across England.