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How electric buses are shaping greener commutes across the West Midlands

People across Coventry and the wider West Midlands are starting 2026 thinking differently about their daily routines and for many, that includes how they commute.

New year priorities often focus on healthier, simpler and more sustainable choices, and greener commuting is becoming part of that shift.

In Coventry, that choice is being made even easier, as the city leads the way as the UK’s first all-electric bus city, replacing diesel buses with zero-emission electric vehicles.

Hundreds of electric buses are already running on routes across the city, connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare and the city centre.

The full rollout is due to be completed by the end of 2026, making Coventry the first UK city to operate a fully electric bus network.

This shift matters because transport is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions. Electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions, helping to cut pollution, improve air quality and make streets quieter and healthier.

For residents and commuters, that means cleaner air to breathe, less noise in busy areas and a transport system that supports long-term health and wellbeing.

Two friends laughing on the bus

The move to electric buses is also changing what it feels like to travel. Passengers are experiencing quieter, smoother journeys on modern vehicles, with features like USB charging, better accessibility and clearer travel information.

For many, the bus is becoming a more attractive option than driving, especially as people look for cheaper, simpler and more sustainable ways to get around.

The start of a new year is often when people change habits, and commuting is one of the easiest places to start. More people are choosing public transport, walking and cycling as part of a healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Coventry’s growing electric bus network shows how these choices can fit into everyday life, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

This programme is being delivered through a partnership between Transport for West Midlands, Coventry City Council, bus operators and government.

Alongside new buses, investment is going into charging infrastructure and depot upgrades, helping to build the foundations for a cleaner transport network across the region.

For the West Midlands, Coventry’s all-electric bus city is a model for how towns and cities can cut emissions, improve public health and modernise public transport at the same time.

It supports new skills, green jobs and long-term economic growth, while making places better to live and work.

By the end of 2026, Coventry will have one of the cleanest urban bus networks in the country. For passengers, the impact is simple: every electric bus journey helps reduce pollution, cut carbon and support a greener future.

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