A second consecutive year of growth has been recorded by the UK bus, coach and minibus market, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The figures represent the best annual performance since 2008, with a 70.1% increase in registrations that saw 8,390 buses join Britain’s roads in 2024. The UK proved the largest overall European bus market in the year, which the SMMT says reflects growing operator confidence in ridership levels and substantial government funding for zero emission technologies.

2024 saw robust demand across all segments, with deliveries of minibuses more than doubling, up 102.5% to 4,816 registrations, and accounting for 57.4% of the overall market. Single- and double-decker bus deliveries also grew, up 22.5% to 1,973 units and 69.6% to 1,601 units respectively.

Registrations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were all up, rising by 77.2%, 184.9% and 52.4% respectively, while rollout in Scotland dropped by 15.6%. With its larger population, England accounted for the lion’s share (87.4%) of all vehicles delivered.

ZEB demand

During the year, the UK maintained its position as having Europe’s biggest ZEB market by volume, with 1,570 electric or hydrogen units entering service across all three bus types last year, representing a 35.5% increase in demand. The growth was driven in part by increased model availability, with operators able to choose from 17 different options – particularly single- and double-deckers, where ZEBs comprised 43.9% of registrations.

Given the vital role of the UK’s bus fleet in providing sustainable mass transport nationwide, increased adoption reflects the sector’s commitment to decarbonisation, according to the SMMT. Britain’s expanding bus fleet has been further accelerated by the rollout of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme across regions. With the second phase of funding now awarded and orders placed, more deliveries are expected this year.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Two years of growth and a 16-year high have cemented the recovery of Britain’s bus sector, with passenger numbers continuing to rise alongside increasing deliveries of new zero-emission buses. Government funding is helping deliver this standout performance and, as Europe’s largest zero emission bus market, we are well on our way to achieving our net zero goals, improving air quality and providing sustainable public transport in every region.”