Each electric bus in the One Network saves approximately 40 tonnes of CO2 annually compared to a diesel equivalent. With 190 electric buses currently operating, the fleet collectively prevents around 7,600 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year, comparable to removing 3,800 cars from the road. Leicester Buses is progressing towards a fully electric network, aiming for over 250 buses by the close of 2027.
The introduction of these electric buses has been supported by funding from the Transforming Cities Fund, the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, local ZEBRA initiatives, and operator commercial investment. The buses feature the distinctive green Leicester Buses One Network livery, offering passengers a quieter, smoother journey with zero exhaust emissions. Enhanced accessibility features include next-stop audio-visual announcements, hearing loops, and an additional wheelchair space.
This electric fleet complements the transformation of St Margaret’s Bus Station, which was reopened in 2022 as the UK's first carbon-neutral bus station. Councillor Geoff Whittle, Assistant City Mayor for Environment and Transport, highlighted the significance of the CO2 savings, stating, “A figure like 27,000 tonnes of carbon can be hard to picture, but the equivalent of over a million trees really shows the difference Leicester’s electric buses are making to the air we all breathe.”
Councillor Whittle added, “Every time someone chooses the bus, they’re helping to make Leicester a cleaner, healthier place to live, work and visit. With more electric buses still to come, we’re on track to have a fully electric network by the end of 2027.” The partnership has also introduced passenger improvements such as all-operator Flexi tickets with contactless fare capping, the free Hop! city centre bus service, integrated timetables, and enhanced bus stop information.
