A crucial step has been taken to break ground on a site that will host a new fleet of ultra-modern, electric buses for Hull.
Stagecoach East Midlands’ Foster Street Depot, in the city, is set to host a fleet of 42 electric buses, which are intended to begin serving customers in spring 2026, as part of operator’s aim to bring over 120 electric buses to the region.
In total, 32 ADL Enviro400EV buses will be able to seat 73 passengers and take another 26 standing, whereas 10 Yutong E10 Midibuses will take 31 seating and 39 standing – all offering a quiet and smooth ride, as well as the promise of ever more modern and reliable services, as there are fewer working parts to maintain.
The ground was officially broken for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by Matt Cranwell, managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, and Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council.
Mr Cranwell said:
“We are so proud to have broken ground on the new facilities for our electric bus fleet in Hull. Investments like this aim to offer a more reliable and more comfortable service, as well as cleaner air, for our loyal customers in the city.
“Our ongoing multi-million-pound investment will decarbonise our fleet while bringing state-of-the-art bus travel to our customers. As we invest in a new EV fleet to bring more sustainable public transport, we would encourage everyone to leave their cars at home and give our new buses a go.”
The EV charging infrastructure programme has been made possible thanks to an allocation of capital funding from Hull City Council to support the rollout of electric buses in the city as part of the authority’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency and creating a greener city.
Councillor Ieronimo added:
“Stagecoach East Midlands breaking ground on the new EV facilities at Foster Street is the latest milestone in our joint work to revolutionise public transport in Hull.
“It was brilliant to see the enthusiasm of all the staff, as they prepare for the arrival of their first electric buses.
“These new vehicles will have a transformative impact on public transport throughout the city. As well as providing quieter and more comfortable journeys, they will also improve the reliability of services and help us encourage, and increase, passenger demand.”
Figures from Bus Users UK show that a brand-new diesel car with a single occupant can emit more nitrogen oxides than a new bus carrying 50 or more passengers. In the UK, 55% of greenhouse gas emissions come from cars and just 3% are from buses – this is despite the fact that buses deliver over 5% of the journeys we make.
(Picture: Hull City Council)
