With battery-operated train and bus fleets, transport operator Transport UK is transforming travel for millions of passengers every day.
Driving sustainability forward, each of its five key businesses – Merseyrail, Greater Anglia, West Midlands Trains, East Midlands Railway, and Transport UK London Bus – provides integrated transport, accessibility, mobility, and clean air.
Transport UK formed in 2023 after a management buyout. Led by industry experts, and with over 12,000 employees, the company takes previous owner Abellio’s 20 years of innovation to the next level. By supercharging trains and buses with green technology, Transport UK is becoming the go-to low-carbon transport of the future.
“Transport UK and Serco, our partners, are very proud to be supporting Merseytravel and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in introducing the Mayor’s new trains,” says Alan Pilbeam, Chief Commercial Officer of Transport UK.
“These include the battery electric hybrid trains that are the first to be introduced in Great Britain.”
The UK-based private company operates train networks in Liverpool, the Midlands, and East Anglia, as well as 11% of bus routes in London, while working alongside partners and government. Through its division, TransportWorks, the company also lends its expertise to new transport projects, in Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Australia.
Transport UK is rolling out groundbreaking technology to passengers.
In partnership with Serco, Merseyrail is the first operator in the UK to introduce Independently Powered Electric Multiple-Unit (IPEMU) trains, whose batteries enable the network to extend its service on non-electrified lines. In addition, Merseyrail’s Class 777 trains feature an award-winning level boarding system, which makes transport accessible for everyone.
In other parts of the business, West Midlands Trains’ WMTen manifesto aims to lower emissions to 10%, while East Midlands Railway is set on a 44% reduction over two years with the introduction of its new bi-mode, diesel, and electric trains. Meanwhile, Greater Anglia is conducting a feasibility study into whether hydrogen generated by offshore wind farms could be utilized as an alternative fuel.
Transport UK’s fleet of nearly 800 buses is 78% hybrid or electric, and all will be fully electric ahead of the Mayor of London’s 2030 net zero carbon target. Transport UK London Bus is already contributing to a reduction in air and noise pollution with six depots equipped with charging infrastructure across the capital.
An accessible, affordable public transport system that runs on clean energy is an essential part of any sustainable city. With the UN estimating 60% of the population will be urban dwellers by 2030, this is now more important than ever.
Transport UK is committed to shaping a sustainable future through SDG 11 – to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
“Sustainability for me means leaving a legacy within our company that I can be proud of, knowing we’re doing our bit to reduce emissions as we enable people to travel to work, travel to school, and enjoy a social life,” says Pilbeam.
Transport is the single biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, accounting for 29% of the carbon footprint, according to the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Passenger cars account for more than half of these emissions. Choosing public transport over a personal vehicle can help reduce CO2 emissions by 42% when traveling by bus, and 73% when transiting by train.