Staffordshire tycoon unveils green bus plan

Jo Bamford, the heir to JCB, wants to roll out 3,000 hydrogen buses, 400 of which could hit the streets of the West Midlands.

Mr Bamford said his plans were “an ideal option for a Government that needs to boost UK manufacturing at this critical time whilst radically reducing our carbon emissions and air pollution”, and has already submitted his vision in a document to ministers.

Plans are being drawn up to introduce the fleet of state-of-the-art buses – featuring USB charging points and more spacious seating – in cities including, Birmingham, London, Liverpool and Manchester.

The senior JCB figure and the son of Lord Anthony Bamford, who leads a green hydrogen production company, Ryse, and last year acquired Wrightbus, a UK manufacturer who have made the world’s first hydrogen double decker bus, believes that zero carbon, UK-made hydrogen technologies must play a pivotal role in driving the British economy forward.

Mr Bamford insisted it was important to build upon reduced pollution levels achieved as a result of the coronavirus lockdown when the country begins to return to normal.

He said: “Cities around the world are seeing massive reductions in air pollution as many vehicles have been kept off the road during the pandemic.

“However, the reality is that if we just go back to how public transport has traditionally been run, levels of pollution will quickly rise again to the same levels as before the crisis.

"We have an opportunity with hydrogen powered transport to make a huge difference to air quality, and for UK jobs as well.

“UK-made hydrogen buses are ready to hit the streets today. We already have hydrogen buses in London, and 20 of Wrightbus’ world-leading double-deckers will be added to this later this year."

Hundreds of local authorities have declared climate emergencies, and local politicians are becoming increasingly interested in the potential of hydrogen to power local transport.

Mr Bamford added: “We are already leading the world by making hydrogen buses and boilers. We have a real opportunity to back a sector that will create jobs, economic growth and allow us to claim position as global leaders in hydrogen transport technology."