Zero Emission Bus
Rock Road was launched in 2021 to support bus operators, councils and Government in meeting decarbonisation targets while managing an industry shift towards ‘reregulation’.
Rock Road’s aim is to accelerate the uptake of zero emission buses (ZEBs) in the UK by providing a finance solution that allows operators and local transport authorities the ability to procure ZEBs at scale while minimising capital outlay and mitigating key ownership risks around residual value and battery replacement.
Rock Road’s finance solution:
- Spreads costs over the full life of a ZEB to offer highly compelling monthly rates
- Absorbs the risk of battery replacement costs
- Offers short term leases well-suited to support the rollout of bus franchising
- Unlocks infrastructure-style debt from institutional funders
On 8th April 2024, Rock announced a joint venture with Aviva Capital Partners to establish a new funding platform for Rock Road. The partnership, alongside a debt facility from the UK Infrastructure Bank and HSBC, has committed an initial £100m to fund up to 250 zero emission buses and associated infrastructure.
The Rock Road platform, owned by Rock Rail and Aviva, is a scalable funding model that seeks to crowd in further private capital beyond the initial £100m fund to reduce the reliance on public money to fuel the transition.
