The UK new bus and coach market grew by 45.2% in the first quarter of 2022, with registrations increasing to 974, according to figures released yesterday by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The year-on-year increase compares with the weakest start to a year on record in 2021, when orders collapsed as a result of plummeting passenger numbers due to pandemic-related restrictions.

With restrictions easing over the first three months of the year and bus journeys increasing, all vehicle types saw registrations rise, with single-decker buses experiencing the largest growth, up 131.9% year-on-year with some 211 units sold. Registrations of minibuses, which continue to dominate the market, rose 36.8%, with 647 joining UK roads, accounting for two thirds of all new registrations (66.4%). Double-decker bus demand also grew, by 8.4% to 116 units.

Despite the significant year-on-year increase, the sector is still struggling with low demand given long-term declines in ridership levels, with -44.4% fewer buses and coaches registered in the first quarter than the pre-pandemic five-year average.

With bus fleet renewal essential for the UK to meet the Government’s ambitious ‘net zero’ goals, operators need confidence and support to switch to the latest and greenest buses. Bus manufacturers are already deploying zero-emission buses in the UK and this may be accelerated with the provision of charging and refuelling infrastructure.

The consultation for ending the sale of new, non-zero-emission buses is currently ongoing but sets an ambitious target for the sector which can only be achieved with immediate investment in charging and refuelling infrastructure and the allocation of funding from policies in the Bus Back Better Strategy.

This would support operators to invest in new vehicles, protecting jobs and livelihoods, while keeping the UK moving and reducing emissions. The transition to zero-emission coaches remains a challenge and will require a holistic approach that considers passenger needs, public realm requirements in addition to incentives and infrastructure.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The return to growth of the bus and coach sector, which is critical for the UK’s ‘net zero’ goals and levelling-up agenda, is very welcome. It is, however, still some way short of a recovery. As declining passenger numbers continue to hamper the confidence of operators to renew their fleets, incentives are essential.

“Funding has slowly started to be released but government must act faster, using cash from the Bus Back Better Fund to support investment in vehicles and using its other funding streams to encourage infrastructural expansion, both of which are needed to deliver the rapid transition to ‘net zero’ transport everyone demands.”