Arriva’s £340m programme to add 750-plus zero-emission buses

Arriva Group has announced a £340m investment programme to renew its UK bus fleet and upgrade depot infrastructure, with more than 500 new buses joining its regional fleets and a further 300 delivered for London operations. Over 50% of the new vehicles will be fully electric, with the remainder classified as low emission, taking Arriva’s total zero-emission bus fleet beyond 750 vehicles upon completion.

The programme includes £310m for 809 new vehicles and the refurbishment of more than 150 existing buses, alongside £30m for property upgrades and continued depot electrification. Eight depots will receive electrification investment: sites in Thornton Heath, Palmers Green, Dartford and Thurmaston will become fully electric, joining Brixton Tram Shed, with further schemes planned in Blyth, Durham, Darlington and Tamworth in partnership with local authorities.

The first phase is already under way, with 50 Alexander Dennis single and double-decker buses entering service in West Yorkshire. The vehicles were officially launched at an event in Wakefield on 13 March, attended by Transport Minister Simon Lightwood in his capacity as Member of Parliament for Wakefield and Rothwell.

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Arriva UK Bus, said: “This is just the start of a major investment programme that will transform our operations across the UK for the benefit of both customers and colleagues. We are investing to make journeys even greener, while demonstrating our long-term commitment to the UK bus market and to the customers we serve.”

Source: Arriva