Passengers across the south of England could soon see cleaner and quieter bus journeys after the Government unveiled a multi-million pound investment to replace ageing diesel vehicles with electric alternatives.
More than one hundred new zero-emission buses are set to enter service across several areas, including Devon, the Isle of Wight, Reading and Surrey, as part of a £14.6 million funding package aimed at improving public transport and cutting harmful emissions.
The investment includes £7.53 million for Devon to introduce 90 new electric buses, £3.67 million for the Isle of Wight to fund 23 buses, £3 million for Reading for 17 vehicles, and £0.5 million for Surrey to add a further four buses.
In Exeter, the funding will support the introduction of dozens of electric buses as the city moves towards a fully electric fleet within the next few years.
Steve Race, MP for Exeter, said: “I’m delighted that the Government has announced funding for 90 new zero emission buses for Exeter. With the 30 due to enter service next month, this means Exeter’s bus fleet will be 100% electric by 2027.
“Constituents regularly raise concerns with me about the current state of our buses, and there’s much more to do to improve regularity and reliability.
“Modernising the fleet will help people enjoy quiet, comfortable and efficient trips, while improving our city’s air quality for everyone.”
The funding forms part of a wider £73.2 million Government package expected to deliver 484 zero-emission buses across England, expanding existing Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas schemes.
Secretary of state for transport Heidi Alexander said: “Buses are the backbone of our public transport system, and passengers across the region deserve a network they can rely on and be proud of.
“This investment will help deliver cleaner, quieter journeys for passengers while improving connections to work, education and opportunity, whilst cleaning up the air we all breathe.
“We’re delivering better connections for people getting about their daily lives, and I’m proud to back the regions’ ambition to do it.”
The Government said the funding would help authorities replace older diesel vehicles with electric alternatives, reducing emissions and improving air quality for thousands of passengers.
The investment also supports wider plans to modernise local transport networks following the Bus Services Act 2025, which gave councils new powers to shape local bus services and accelerate the shift to greener transport.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said: “Our ambition is to encourage more people in Devon to travel by bus and this is a vital investment that will help us move closer to that goal.
“As we continue to work closely with our partners across the county and plan for the future with the Devon & Torbay County Combined Authority and Torbay Council, this new funding from Government will support our ongoing investment to improve bus services and infrastructure in the county.”
Graham Vidler, chief executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: “Today’s announcement is a welcome step forward for the UK’s transition to greener public transport.
“Bus operators across the country are already investing heavily in zero emission vehicles and 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.”
