Buses Bill becomes law; sales of new, non-zero emission buses will end by 2030 at earliest
Tue 28 October 2025
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The passage of the UK’s Bus Services Act marks a significant step in aligning public transport reform with the UK’s wider net zero ambitions. While much of the discussion revolves around service franchising and local authority powers, the Act places a strong and deliberate emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and accelerating the transition to zero emission fleets. This comes at a positive time for the industry as passenger numbers and new registrations of ZEVs are on the rise.
A key provision within the legislation will end the registration of new non-zero emission buses in England from 2030 at the earliest, with the final date to be confirmed by regulations. The Act signals a clear direction of travel for the sector and underlines the Government’s intent to deliver both carbon and air quality benefits, ensuring that bus decarbonisation plays a central role in achieving the UK’s 2050 net zero target.
For local authorities, the Act represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. Enhanced powers over routes and operations come with a mandate to deliver sustainable, low carbon mobility. As one of the most energy efficient modes of road transport per passenger, a fully zero emission bus fleet has the potential to make a significant contribution to national emissions reduction goals while improving air quality and public health outcomes in towns and cities.
The challenge ahead is substantial. Rapid progress is needed in vehicle deployment, supporting infrastructure and grid capacity to ensure that the end of sale deadline for new, non-zero emission buses is achievable in practice. Industry collaboration across the energy, manufacturing and transport sectors will be critical to meet this demand at scale.
The Bus Services Act reinforces a fundamental shift in transport policy - one that views every new bus service not just as a mobility solution, but as part of the UK’s climate strategy. By embedding decarbonisation into the future of local transport, the legislation moves the UK closer to delivering a cleaner, decarbonised bus network.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says that the legislation comes at a positive moment for the industry with passenger numbers on the rise and growing operator confidence to invest in fleet renewal. So far this year (to the end of Q2 2025) there have been nine consecutive quarters of growth, delivering a significant uplift in registrations of new single and double deckers and, significantly, impressive uptake of zero emission models, representing a fifth of new registrations.
Image: Courtesy Wrightbus
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