Sheffield is set to introduce 186 electric buses from 2027 as part of a wider push to decarbonise public transport, with funding support from the UK government and regional authorities, officials said.
The project forms part of the UK’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) programme, which is designed to accelerate the adoption of cleaner bus fleets across England. While the supplier of the vehicles has not yet been confirmed, the new buses will replace older diesel models operating in the city.
See also: Be.EV Opens Ultra-Rapid EV Charging Hub in Sheffield, Expanding UK Network
The UK government has committed £33.4 million to the Sheffield scheme, while the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will contribute £58.3 million. In addition, SYMCA plans to invest a further £26 million in charging infrastructure and depot upgrades, including preparations at the Olive Grove depot to support electric vehicles.
Sheffield accounts for 46% of a broader £73.2 million funding package allocated for zero-emission buses across England, making it the largest recipient. Other regions receiving support include the Tees Valley Combined Authority, which secured £11 million to electrify two depots and procure 82 electric buses.
See also: UCLS Expands Electric Van Fleet for Zero-Emission Deliveries in Northern England
Additional funding allocations include £7 million for the Liverpool City Region, £3 million for Reading Borough Council, £2.2 million for West Northamptonshire Council, £3.6 million for the North East Combined Authority, £3.6 million for the Isle of Wight Council, £7.5 million for Devon County Council, £0.5 million for Surrey County Council, and £1 million for Nottinghamshire.
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the initiative would help modernise transport while improving air quality. “This funding will replace polluting diesel buses with new electric vehicles that will make a real difference to people’s daily lives, better connecting them to work, to healthcare and to opportunity, whilst cleaning up the air we all breathe,” Alexander said.
See also: ASDA to Double Electric Van Fleet with £1.3 Million Investment in Zero-Emission Deliveries
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said the investment marked a step toward improving local transport services. “Public transport in South Yorkshire used to be world-class. But our buses have been broken for too long,” Coppard said.
“Now, we’re getting on with the job of delivering the promise of a bigger, better transport network, starting with our huge ambition for better buses.”