New statistics published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have shown that Britain’s rollout of new buses, coaches and minibuses has risen by 3.1% to 2,065 units during the third quarter of 2026.
Despite year-do-date volumes coming down by almost a third (-32.1%), the performance represents the first quarter of sustained growth in 2026 as the market normalises following a 17-year high in fleet renewal in 2025.
This quarterly growth was underpinned by double-deck buses (an increase of 64.2% to 729 units), reflecting the ongoing fulfilment of long-term urban fleet renewal programmes, whilst minibus uptake fell by -7.9% to 858 units, although it remained the largest volume segment.
Single-deck bus and coach registrations also declined (-23.6% to 478 units), and England claimed the majority of fleet renewal, which rose up to 10.6% (1,926 units) – representing more than nine in 10 (93.3%) registrations. Deliveries across Scotland and Wales fell by -55.2% and -25.0%to 86 and 45 respectively, whilst Northern Ireland registered eight units – the same as in Q3 2025.
The rollout of zero emission buses has continued to grow, rising by 11.9% to 630 units, claiming a third (30.5%) of the market – an increase from 28.1% in Q3 2025, but below the previous record of 37.3% set during Q1 last year. Across the year thus far, zero emission buses have accounted for 31.1% of registrations, with said growth highlighting the sector’s leading position in market decarbonisation in the UK and Europe as the continent’s second largest zero emission bus market by volume so far this year.
In a statement, the SMMT has theorised that Britain’s new bus leadership can be reinforced by ‘tackling remaining barriers’ to the zero emission uptake, with wider access to incentives such as the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area and ScotZEB schemes potentially providing operators to meet the higher upfront costs of these vehicles and depot infrastructure.
Elsewhere, the Society proposed that GB Grid could also help speed up depot connections, which currently can take up to 15 years for the largest projects, whilst the return of England’s 2 GBP bus fare cap in January 2027 could give operators greater confidence in passenger demand, supporting investment in renewing Britain’s ageing bus fleet and delivering significant carbon savings.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:A return to growth in new bus rollout after a bumper 2025 reflects the sector’s increasing momentum, with significant government backing and a wide range of cutting-edge models entering service.
Manufacturers are investing heavily in zero emission technology that can meet almost every bus operator’s need – but access to incentives and depot grid connections remain key barriers. With continued support, the new bus market will continue to lead decarbonisation in the UK – and in Europe.
