Arriva Group has announced a 340 million GBP investment programme aimed at renewing its UK bus fleet and upgrading several depots.
The programme includes the purchase of new buses, refurbishment of existing vehicles and infrastructure improvements designed to support lower-emission transport. This will see nearly 20 percent of its regional bus fleet replaced within the next 18 months.
The first phase of investment is beginning in West Yorkshire, with an initial rollout of 50 new single and double-deck buses entering service. The vehicles, built by Alexander Dennis, were launched at an event in Wakefield on 13 March.
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Arriva UK Bus, said:This is just the start of a major investment programme that will transform our operations across the UK for the benefit of both customers and colleagues.
Buses play a vital role in connecting communities, reducing congestion, improving air quality and supporting economic growth. We are investing to make journeys even greener, while demonstrating our long-term commitment to the UK bus market and to the customers we serve.
Of the total 340 million GBP investment, 310 million GBP will be allocated to 809 new vehicles and the refurbishment of more than 150 buses already in service. A further 30 million GBP will fund upgrades to Arriva’s property portfolio, alongside ongoing electrification projects at several depots.
More than 500 new buses are expected to join Arriva’s regional fleets, while approximately 300 vehicles will be delivered for the company’s London operations. More than half of the new vehicles will be fully electric, with the remainder classed as low-emission.
Following the upgrades, Arriva’s UK fleet is expected to include more than 750 zero-emission buses.
Sites in Thornton Heath, Palmers Green, Dartford and Thurmaston in Leicester are planned to become fully electric, joining the Brixton Tram Shed depot as a zero-emission facility. Further electrification projects are planned in Blyth, Durham, Darlington and Tamworth, subject to partnership arrangements with local authorities.
Orders for the new buses have been placed with several manufacturers, including Wrightbus, Volvo Buses in partnership with MCV Bus and Coach, BYD, and Alexander Dennis.
In total, the order includes 345 single-deck and 464 double-deck buses.
