The SMMT report states that deliveries of new buses, coaches, and minibuses in the UK hit a 16-year high in 2024, with 8,390 vehicles joining the roads. Demand grew across all segments, with minibuses and double-deckers seeing the strongest increases. The UK also retained its position as Europe’s largest zero-emission bus market, with deliveries surging by over a third.
Britain’s Bus Market Soars to 16-Year High and Remains Europe’s Biggest Zero Emission Buyer
UK’s new bus, coach and minibus market has strengthened its recovery, recording a second consecutive year of growth and the best annual performance since 2008, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A 70.1% increase in registrations saw 8,390 buses join Britain’s roads in 2024 to become the most significant overall European bus market, reflecting growing operator confidence in ridership levels and substantial government funding for zero-emission technologies.
The SMMT report states that 2024 saw robust demand across all segments, with deliveries of minibuses more than doubling, up 102.5% to 4,816 registrations, accounting for 57.4% of the overall market. Single and double-decker bus deliveries also grew, up 22.5% to 1,973 units and 69.6% to 1,601 units, respectively.
Registrations in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland rose by 77.2%, 184.9%, and 52.4% respectively, while rollout in Scotland dropped by 15.6%. England’s larger population accounted for the lion’s share (87.4%) of all vehicles delivered.
Zero-Emission Bus Fleet Drives the UK’s Net Zero Future
SMMT also noted that the zero-emission bus fleet solidified its role as a cornerstone of the UK’s net zero transformation. Britain also maintained its status as Europe’s biggest ZEV bus market by volume, with 1,570 electric or hydrogen units entering service across all three bus types in 2024. This represented a 35.5% increase in demand, driven partly by increased model availability, with operators able to choose from 17 options – particularly in the new single and double-decker bus market, where ZEVs comprised 43.9% of registrations.
Given the vital role of the UK’s bus fleet in providing sustainable nationwide mass transport solutions, increased adoption demonstrates the sector’s steadfast commitment to the nation’s zero-emission mobility goals. Britain’s expanding bus fleet, already advanced in its transition, has been further accelerated by the rollout of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme across regions. With the second phase of funding now awarded and orders placed, additional zero-emission bus deliveries are expected this year.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Two years of growth and a 16-year high have cemented the recovery of Britain’s bus sector, with passenger numbers continuing to rise alongside increasing deliveries of new zero-emission buses.”
“Government funding is helping deliver this standout performance and, as Europe’s largest zero emission bus market, we are well on our way to achieving our net zero goals, improving air quality and providing sustainable public transport in every region.”
