As an alternative to private vehicles like cars, public transport – trams, buses, trains, underground rail – carries more people more efficiently and offers a host of potential benefits.Individually, there’s an element of physical activity to get to and from the nearest stop and the opportunity to sleep, read and relax on the journey. Another benefit of public transport is that it is cheaper than owning and operating a car. Local economies do better too: every £1 invested in public transport can yield around £4 in economic gains for the community. Less fuel is consumed per person and overall emissions are reduced; air quality goes up and road congestion goes down.
If you want to read or listen to a couple of inspiring examples about public transportation schemes in the UK, look below. If you are already involved in something similar, then jump here if you want to do something bigger.
Inspiration read
Largest hydrogen bus fleet in Europe
West Midlands green hydrogen-fuelled buses
The West Midlands has the largest hydrogen bus fleet not only in the UK but also in Europe – with 144 hydrogen buses on the streets – thanks to Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) working with its bus company partners and the hydrogen production industry. Hydrogen-fuelled buses emit only water vapour, improving local air quality and reducing the bus network’s total carbon footprint. The hydrogen fuel for the fleet is produced using renewable energy only (known as ‘green hydrogen’) to ensure the scheme is fully zero emission. Accompanied by new bus lanes and priority measures, commuters in the region are provided with a modern, reliable and comfortable alternative to the car and traffic congestion.
UK’s first all-electric bus city
As part of the region’s green transport ambition celebrating the environmental benefits of public transport, Coventry is set to become the country’s first ‘all-electric bus city’ before the end of 2025. Buses are already one of the cleanest ways to travel, and running a new all-electric fleet contributes to significant health and mobility benefits for people right across the city. In addition to new vehicles, TfWM is also working with Coventry City Council to create the necessary charging infrastructure to power the new buses, including upgrades to bus depots and charging points.
Fully electric rural bus fleets
Buses are our most-used form of public transport and no community should be without a reliable bus service. They carry millions of us to work and school; to shops and leisure facilities; to doctors’ surgeries and hospitals; and to friends and family. Buses can help us stay connected and avoid social isolation, especially in more rural areas, so it’s vital that upgrades to fleets and services are not limited to urban areas. The UK’s first fully electric rural bus fleet operates along the Irvine Valley, connecting villages with Kilmarnock town centre; embraced by the locals, it’s seen as a blueprint for zero-emissions buses serving other rural communities.
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Inspiration listen
Do Something Bigger
What would inspire you to do something bigger for climate and nature? In this, the first episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast series, Do Something Bigger, we introduce our year-long campaign: 25…
Do something bigger
Do you want to help get our bus, train and tram services back on track? There’s something bigger you can do, whether you are a local council taking over the buses; a community group advocating and working towards better public transport, cleaner air, lower emissions or more vibrant city centres; a decision-maker considering an electric or hydrogen bus fleet right now or other public transport investments.
Buses
The Better Buses Bill means that all local authorities will soon have the power to determine bus routes, service frequencies, fares, and infrastructure. It means being able to run buses in line with the needs of communities, and that local governments will be able to put profits made by the most popular bus routes towards supporting the less popular, transforming bus provision in more rural areas. Mayoral combined authorities already had the power to bring buses under local control with franchising agreements, and Greater Manchester was the first to do so in 2023. The results speak for themselves: in the first six months of franchising, ridership on Bee Network buses rose by 5%, punctuality improved, and passenger revenue was £3m over budget.
Trains
One of the intended benefits in the government’s plan to establish Great British Railways is to make it easier for local partners to have greater influence over the railway in their region and address long-standing issues such as delays, cancellations and service disruptions that have frustrated passengers for years. Community organisations also play a key role in advocating for better sustainable transport infrastructure, such as expanding bus routes and improving train services. For example, Community Rail Network is a growing grassroots movement made up of community rail partnerships and groups across Britain working alongside train operators to help people get the most from their railways.
Trams
By turning to public transport rather than turning away, we can help push improvements to services and fares. Nottingham’s electric tram system is a great example: it’s more well used per head than any other in the country, reflecting the popularity of the tram service and willingness of local people to leave their car at home when travelling into the city centre. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the ten UK cities with a modern light rail system, it undoubtedly enhances city life and people’s mobility. If you live in West Yorkshire, the biggest region in the country without a mass transit system, then join campaigners like Britain Remade for a tram system for Leeds and connecting with Bradford!
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