The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has reported a 49.8% surge in public service vehicle registrations in the UK in Q1 2025, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of growth.

During the quarter, a total of 2,532 buses, coaches, and minibuses were registered, which the trade body said reflected the “best start to a year” since 2008.

This surge in registration in Q1 was attributed to a rise in passenger numbers.

Minibuses led the volume growth, with a 52.6% increase to 1,299 units.

Single-decker buses and coaches saw a rise of 29.6% to 691 units while double-deckers reported the largest percentage growth, up 77.1% to 542 units.

In England, public service vehicle demand rose by 33.7% to 1,954 units, accounting for 77.2% of the market.

Scotland saw a significant increase, with deliveries more than tripling by 213.7% to 389 units. Wales and Northern Ireland also reported growth, registering 148 and 40 units respectively, up 78.3% and 90.5% compared to the previous year.

The UK continues to lead Europe as the largest market for new zero-emission buses by volume, with demand more than doubling in Q1, up 129.5% to 739 units.

Zero-emission single and double-deckers represented 29.2% of the overall market, positioning the sector as the UK’s “most advanced” in road transport decarbonisation.

The report said that this rise was due to manufacturer innovation, providing nearly 20 different models, and the support from Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) grants.

However, the report outlined that challenges remained for smaller and rural operators, who faced lower ridership, tighter margins, and longer routes, making the transition to zero-emission vehicles more difficult.

Last week, the SMMT reported that UK motorists now have access to a record number of zero-emission vehicles, with two in five models being battery electric.