Public Transport: Expansion and Electrification

Lord Grocott Excerpts

Monday 19th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for his question. As he will be aware, the previous Government consulted on an end date for the sale of diesel buses back in spring 2022. As he referred to, we are currently legislating in the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill to accelerate bus decarbonisation. We will be placing a requirement on operators not to use new non-zero-emission buses from a date in the future that is not earlier than 2030. This allows the sector to plan for a smooth transition to a zero-emission future.

[Lord Grocott (Lab)]

Has the Minister made any assessment at all of the effectiveness of the Coventry very light rail system? As its name implies, it is easier and cheaper to construct than conventional urban tramways. In particular, has any assessment been made as to the relevance of that system to possible development in other major cities in Britain?

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for that question. He is absolutely right. In the right setting, light rail systems can be a viable and attractive alternative to heavy rail or, indeed, more bus systems. I can tell him that several regions outside London with existing or planned mass-transit systems are receiving investment through the city region sustainable transport settlements programme. This funding is providing five-year local transport capital settlements over 2022-23 to 2026-27 to eligible mayoral combined authorities, which will include Coventry, for investment in public and sustainable transport infrastructure, including light rail.