Greener Rides Ahead: Bristol to Deliver Zero-Emission Buses as Government-unlocks private sector funding

Thousands of passengers across the West of England are set to benefit from smoother, cleaner, bus journeys as the Government’s investment in zero-emission buses (ZEBs) continues to generate private sector backing.  

Today (Tuesday 3rd June), Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood visited Bristol to officially open the refurbished Hengrove Depot—a major new electric bus facility upgraded to support the rollout of 74 zero-emission buses on the city’s network, supporting local jobs and boosting the region’s economy as the Government delivers cleaner energy and economic growth in its Plan for Change.  

The site has been upgraded to run zero-emission buses as part of a £44m project led by First Bus including over £6.5million Government funding support.  

 

Minister for Local Transport, Simon Lightwood said:  

"We’re bringing cleaner, quieter, and smoother bus journeys to Bristol and beyond—backed by £38 million in government funding and even more from private investment.

"Better buses help deliver our Plan for Change: creating green jobs, boosting the local economy, and building a more sustainable future. 

"With our upcoming Bus Services Bill, passengers can expect more reliable services, stronger local control, and protection for vital routes."

 

With separate support of over £28 million in Government funding, First Bus is set to electrify depots and introduce the region’s first electric buses, with a total 258 electric buses set to be delivered in the West of England and almost 100 already in service.   

The investment comes alongside the Government’s Bus Services Bill which is currently progressing through Parliament and will protect passengers from sudden and uninformed cuts to their services bringing buses back under public control. 

The Government continues its drive to grow industries, boost regional economies, and deliver on its Plan for Change—placing passengers at the heart of a cleaner, modern bus network.  

The Hengrove announcement follows the Government’s recent £38 million zero-emission bus funding announcement, which has helped leverage over £120 million in private investment from bus operators across the country. This funding boost is already delivering cleaner air, more sustainable travel options, and new opportunities in construction, engineering, and green manufacturing.  

The rollout of zero emission buses is growing across the UK. In Plymouth, new electric buses funded through the government funded ZEBRA scheme have begun serving local communities. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the Local Transport Minister and newly elected Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin.  

  

Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said:  

“I promised to work with government to get our region moving. The first of over 230 brand-new, comfy, electric buses for our region are a great start in a new chapter for the West of England, as we work with local councils and bus operators to deliver the best for the West.  

“£29 million secured from government and £120 million from First Bus has already electrified the Hengrove depot with new charging infrastructure, as well as the one in Weston-super-Mare. This landmark investment in our wider area will also see a fully electric fleet at Hengrove by next summer and will soon turbo-charge the depots in Bath and Lawrence Hill too.   

“These new zero-emission buses are a total game-changer for bus passengers across the West Country, with phone chargers at every seat. I was glad to welcome the Minister to our region to see them today, and discuss with him how we can further improve bus services in our region including through the new powers promised by the Bus Services Bill.”  

   

Isabel McAllister, First Bus’ Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer said:   

“Today marks another significant milestone in our journey towards a zero-emission bus fleet. With over £300 million of our own investment - alongside government funding - and more than 1,000 zero-emission buses already serving communities across the UK, we are proud to be leading the move towards cleaner, greener public transport.  

“The unveiling of our latest electrified depot at Hengrove in Bristol, made possible through strong public-private partnership with the Department for Transport and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, brings us one step closer to a fully electric fleet.  

“We're proud to be leading the way in sustainable travel as we strive to better connect communities, drive economic growth, and inspire the nation to love and use the bus.”