Carbon Emissions: Bus Fleets Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateBaroness Pidgeon
Main Page: Baroness Pidgeon (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Baroness Pidgeon's debates with the Department for Transport
(1 day, 10 hours ago)
Lords ChamberTo ask His Majesty’s Government what investment they are planning to reduce carbon emissions from bus fleets.
The full transition to zero-emission buses is a vital part of the Government’s plan to make buses better for passengers and to realise the benefits of lower running costs, cleaner air and smoother, quieter journeys. The department’s spending envelope for the financial year 2025-26 was announced at the Budget. Careful consideration is being given to how to maximise the benefits of zero-emission buses funding against our departmental objectives.
My Lords, many large bus companies have invested significant capital in new electric and hydrogen buses alongside government zero-emission bus funding, but there are currently no dedicated government funding streams post 2025. When can we expect a new detailed funding round to help transform bus fleets across the country?
The noble Baroness will know that bus operations across England are generally managed by operators, and they ensure that depots are configured to accommodate their fleet. It is they who must apply to distribution network operators for grid connections. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced that the newly formed National Energy System Operator has been asked to produce the first strategic spatial plan for energy, and it is also looking at reforming the connection process. Both those actions will help bus operators—it is their investment in their depots that enables electric buses to run.