Market Overview
Urban areas face increasing challenges from congestion, carbon emissions and the imperative for clear air. At the same time, transport authorities recognise that demand for travel is increasing, and that integrated, accessible, safe, reliable transport networks are vital for prosperity.
Demand for transport is expected to increase by 25% by 2030 in wealthy cities, and by 80% in developing countries. This demand cannot be satisfied by increased car use.
Cars already emit over 70% of surface transport emissions in the EU.
Demand for transport cannot be met by increased car use
The rise in on-demand taxi services is significantly worsening congestion. San Francisco estimated that over 50% of increased traffic congestion between 2010 and 2016 was due to these services.
Public transport is the solution
In the UK alone, if the number of people travelling in private vehicles remains constant, this would result in an additional 35 billion vehicle miles on the road by 2030.
Zero emission buses will provide the backbone of clean, reliable, safe transport networks. Technology, range and cost are improving, and we estimate that electric buses will reach Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) parity with diesel by 2024/25.
Autonomous vehicles could make this worse: repositioning at zero occupancy could reduce average vehicle occupancy and drive up total vehicle miles.
What next?
From Birmingham to Barcelona, visionary cities are already committing to a zero emission future with decreasing access for cars in the city centre.
Costs of zero emission vehicles remain higher, and there are technological and infrastructure challenges to address.
National Express will be the trusted partner for cities that share our vision of a prosperous, clean, green future. We are making commitments today that will benefit all of our tomorrows.