Arriva Secures Funding for Zero-Emission Buses in UK Communities

Arriva gets UK Govt funding for 72 electric buses in 5 cities. Leicester to have 25 electric double-deckers, aiming for 50% zero-emission services. Arriva UK Bus ranks third regionally, operates 17% of London's buses.

Sunderland, England- Arriva, in collaboration with local authorities in has secured funding through the UK Government's ZEBRA(Zero Emission Bus Regional Area)scheme for the acquisition of new zero-emission buses, as announced by the Department for Transport (DfT). This successful bid, in conjunction with local transport authorities, encompasses Arriva's operations in Leicester, Tamworth, Redcar, Durham, and Darlington, promising significant benefits for these communities. The awarded funding is set to facilitate the introduction of 72 new fully electric buses into Arriva's fleets across the north of England and the Midlands.

Alistair Hands, Managing Director, Regions, at Arriva UK Bus, stated, "Collaboration with local authorities lies at the heart of Arriva's strategy, and we are delighted to be part of these successful funding initiatives. The introduction of fully electric, zero-emission, and modernized transport to our communities in the North East and the Midlands will elevate the passenger experience by offering cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable journeys, while also contributing to our long-term vehicle decarbonization plan."

In Leicester, the funding will support the acquisition of 25 double-decker electric buses, supplementing the 24 buses anticipated to be operational by May of this year. This initiative is poised to ensure that approximately 50 percent of all services operated by Arriva in Leicester are zero-emission