The Department for Transport has confirmed that jobs are also to be supported through significant government backing for new electric buses.
As the government looks to bring improvements and decarbonisation to the UK public transport fleet, £500 million of investment is being committed to the creation of a new, dedicated manufacturing line that will support the introduction of 1,200 new electric buses around the country.
Being delivered over the course of the next three years, the buses will be built in Northern Ireland, and will see use across England, including in Plymouth, East Yorkshire, London and Gloucestershire. Alongside the obvious benefits of better quality, quieter services, and support for net zero goals, this development will also see the creation of up to 500 manufacturing jobs, and a further 2,000 across the supply chain.
Louise Haigh, Secretary of State for Transport, said:
“The number one mission of this government is growing the economy. The half-a-billion pounds Go Ahead is announcing today shows the confidence industry has in investing in the UK.
“This announcement will see communities across the country benefit from brand new, state-of-the-art green buses - which will deliver cleaner air and better journeys.
“We’re creating the right conditions for businesses to flourish, so we can support jobs and accelerate towards decarbonising the transport sector.
“Under this government, Britain is open for business.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves also commented:
“This investment is exactly the kind we want to see as we grow the economy. One that creates jobs right across the country.
“And that’s what the international investment summit next week is all about too. Showing the world’s biggest businesses and investors why they should bring their jobs – and their money – to the UK.”
This announcement comes not too long after the government confirmed that local leaders would be given more control over local bus services, with this bringing the improvement that specific communities need.
Image credit: iStock
