Sheffield Connect, the city centre circular bus, is to be upgraded to zero-emissions vehicles, following a successful bid to the Government’s Zero-Emission Regional Bus Areas (ZEBRA) scheme.

The Mayoral Authority will now receive four electric, single-decker buses from BYD-Alexander Dennis, which will convert the Sheffield Connect service to electric operation.

Louise Haigh MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport and Sheffield Heeley MP, said:

“It’s great news that the Sheffield Connect service that travels across the city centre will be upgraded to a zero-emission vehicle – this is the first step in transforming Sheffield’s old bus fleet to environmentally friendly, zero emission vehicles.

“The government has completely let the public down in relation to their promise of delivering thousands of zero-emission buses by the end of 2024. Out of the 4,000 buses that were committed only six have made it to the country’s roads.

“A Labour government will lay the foundations for the century ahead by investing in green transport and unlocking jobs and growth across the country.”

Labour Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee, said:

“It’s fantastic that publicly-owned, zero-carbon buses will soon be operating along the streets of Sheffield.

“We’re ambitious for our city: we want cleaner air, lower emissions, increased connectivity, and cheaper fares. Zero-emission, Sheffield Connect buses—fought for and delivered by Labour Councillors and a Labour Mayor—will put a marker down for the future of public transport in Sheffield.”

The Sheffield Connect bus was reintroduced last August. It runs a circular route between Sheffield Interchange and Moorfoot, and runs up to every 10 minutes, 7 days a week.

Publicly-operated by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the service is free to anyone a valid senior or disabled travel pass, any valid Zoom travel pass or NUS card, or who has a bus, tram or train ticket bought within South Yorkshire on the day of travel.