Half a billion pounds. That’s the figure behind a game-changing investment poised to transform bus journeys across the UK, delivering 1,200 homegrown zero-emission buses. Say goodbye to fumes and hello to cleaner, quieter travel, courtesy of bus operator Go-Ahead. And the cherry on top? This green investment is not only about smooth rides; it’s about supporting hundreds of jobs and sparking economic growth nationwide.
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| Go-Ahead Group |
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is rallying the industry troops, determined to make the UK a hub for transport innovation, all in time for the upcoming investment summit. With up to 500 new manufacturing jobs on the cards, Go-Ahead’s partnership with Northern Ireland’s Wrightbus is set to turbocharge the UK’s transition to eco-friendly buses over the next three years. From the streets of London to the coastal routes of the Isle of Wight, these snazzy new buses will soon be ferrying passengers in style, and more importantly, without the carbon cost.
But it’s not just the manufacturing line that’ll benefit – this £500 million pledge is expected to ripple out, supporting an additional 2,000 jobs in the wider supply chain. It’s a win-win for the UK’s green future and our economy. You might say the future of public transport is looking… electric.
In a move that cements the UK’s position as a leader in bus manufacturing, a new UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel is on the horizon. Bringing together top minds in the industry and local leaders, this panel will help ensure the UK remains a front-runner in embracing zero-emission transport technologies. From supporting local councils to hitting ambitious environmental targets, it’s all part of the government’s plan to keep the UK in the driver’s seat when it comes to green innovation.
Haigh is set to meet with key figures like Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford and CEO Jean-Marc Gales. The message? The UK is open for business, ready to welcome further investment to supercharge our transport goals. With the International Investment Summit just around the corner, there’s no better time to show the world that Britain is where the future of transport is happening.
Meanwhile, over at Number 10, the Prime Minister is preparing to convene the first Council of Nations and Regions, uniting regional leaders in a push to secure long-term investment. It’s all about lifting growth and living standards across the UK – from north to south, east to west.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh had this to say about today’s announcement:
"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."
And as if this deal couldn’t get any greener, for every bus rolled off the production line, Go-Ahead and Wrightbus will plant 10 trees in the towns and cities where the buses operate. That’s right – your next bus journey might just help grow a mini-forest.
Matt Carney, Go-Ahead’s CEO, added:
"This multi-million pound investment and partnership with Wrightbus will accelerate the transition to a zero-emission fleet across the UK.
"We are proud to be working in partnership with the UK government and local authorities to deliver transformational environmental change for communities, while supporting UK jobs and the growth of the country’s supply chain."
Wrightbus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales, echoed the sentiment, calling the deal "hugely significant" for the UK economy, green jobs, and skills. He also pointed out that this is a major step towards decarbonising transport, praising the government’s continued commitment to a greener future.
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