Transport secretary Mark Harper confirmed that dozens of “state-of-the-art”, “zero-emission” buses would hit the road as part of efforts to decarbonise public transport by replacing diesel models. His department said it would provide £5.7m in funding towards the cost of the rollout.

Meanwhile, the £2 bus fare cap will be extended until the end of 2024. The investments are part of a £1bn package for the North and the Midlands, paid for out of money saved from the scrapped northern leg of HS2.

Announcing the move, the Department for Transport said the buses “will also improve the passenger experience, providing users with considerably quieter and more comfortable journeys” while “helping improve local air quality both for bus users and the local communities”. The new vehicles will meet enhanced accessibility standards and will include features such as wi-fi and USB charging sockets.

The funding is part of the nationwide Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) programme, which includes a £143m investment in new electric buses. Today’s announcement follows a pledge of almost £330m for transport scheme in Hull and the East Riding, to be provided over seven years beginning in April 2025 with councils able to decide how best to spend it.