News & Views

ITP is pleased to have supported five of the recently successful Zero Emission bus funding (ZEBRA) Round 2 applications. These draw on the fund of up to £142.8 million of government investment in new zero emission buses for local areas. Of the 58 Local Transport Areas who submitted expressions of interest for this tranche of funding, 25 have been successful and ITP helped to secure around 20% of the total funds allocated for our clients. Government funding comes alongside significant investment from bus operators and local contributions.

These projects will deliver brand new zero emission buses and associated electric charging infrastructure, reducing local impacts from air and noise pollution and carbon dioxide emissions. New vehicles will also meet enhanced standards for accessibility. These newer, more efficient, buses will aid the sustainability of public transport operations, keeping communities connected and promoting local sustainable travel, particularly valuable for those delivering services in rural areas. Bids support the roll out of battery electric buses, for some areas it kick-starts their electrification journey, for others support builds on development already underway by operators and surrounding areas.

Working closely with bus operators and local authorities, we have developed strong funding applications to secure this investment. Drawing on our experience from success in Round 1, we assembled first-rate teams who rose to the challenge of delivering business cases with a short turn around. Work included calculating economic valuation of benefits using DfT methodology, developing quantified assessment of risk and setting out the strategic, commercial and management rationale for investment.

Here is what our clients had to say:

“Thanks to everyone for putting together this successful bid. Another great example of partnership working.” – Nottinghamshire County Council

“ITP's previous work on electric bus bid submissions meant they had the skillset and knowledge required to lead on Warwickshire's ZEBRA2 submission. This was crucial given the tight timescale. We were particularly impressed with ITP's flexible approach to the bid development and their professionalism in liaising with partner organisations to gather the necessary information.” – Warwickshire County Council

“Really appreciate everyone's effort in pulling this together and starts us properly on our electric journey.” – Stagecoach East Midlands

“We wouldn’t have been able to take this opportunity to bring significant investment to Leicestershire without their expertise and commitment. The very tight deadline, dealings with bus operators, and complexities of the application requirements were handled swiftly and professionally.” – Leicestershire County Council

All in all, the successful zebra bids greatly contribute to our goal of ‘Enhancing Society Together’ and represent positive news for the strength of public transport offering across the country.

Securing funding for new infrastructure, transport services, and travel behaviour change initiatives through bid-based competitions has become increasingly important over recent years. ITP has supported many local authorities through the entire process – from early ideas stages through to preparing and submitting bid documents.

If you’d like to talk to us about buses, business cases, funding bids and transport electrification, please contact Denise Faber & Ed Ducker.