Strong growth continues in UK bus and coach market

The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal 7.1 percent growth in the UK bus and coach market rising to 648 unit registrations during July 2015.

The SMMT figures suggest the UK bus and coach market remains buoyant with 2015 year-to-date figures rising by 15.8 percent to over 5,000 registrations.

Positive growth in the sector was fuelled by a 57.1 percent increase in converted bus registrations, as operators favoured the 3.5t to 8.5t segment.

Commenting on the latest figures, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said: “Year-to-date figures paint an impressive picture for the bus and coach market, with double-digit growth in all segments putting the sector in a strong position compared with 2014.

“Continued coach operator confidence drove another month of growth for heavier single-deck vehicles in July, while demand for converted buses also led to impressive gains for the sector.

“However, for growth to be sustained, operators, manufacturers and local authorities need greater clarity of the details concerning the devolution of bus franchising to local authorities via the Buses Bill and certainty over the future of the Bus Service Operators Grant.”

The Buses Bill, announced in the budget, provides the option for combined authority areas with directly elected mayors to be responsible for the running of local bus services.

UK bus and coach registrations: 2015 and % change on 2014 (Source: SMMT)