Hull’s biggest bus fleet upgrade in 125 years hits the road

A new generation of electric buses has begun carrying passengers across Hull as Stagecoach East Midlands rolls out 42 zero-emission vehicles as part of a £28 million investment in the city’s public transport network.

Hull’s bus network has entered a new electric era, with the first vehicles from Stagecoach East Midlands’ new 42-strong fleet now operating passenger services.

The investment represents the largest order of new buses in Hull for 125 years and is designed to deliver quieter, more comfortable and increasingly reliable journeys while cutting emissions from public transport.

Electric buses began operating on routes 3, 5 and 12 from 10 August, with services 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 also due to receive the new vehicles.

Stagecoach ultimately plans to have 55 electric buses operating in Hull within the next 12 months.

£28m investment transforms Hull fleet

The programme is being delivered through a combined £28 million investment involving Stagecoach, Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Department for Transport.

Alongside purchasing the vehicles, significant infrastructure has been required to support the transition.

Stagecoach has installed 56 charging points at its Foster Street depot, creating the capacity needed to charge and operate a substantial electric fleet.

The vehicles have ranges comfortably exceeding the distance typically covered by a Hull bus during a normal working day.

A fully charged electric double-decker can travel approximately 260 miles, while a single-decker has a range of around 300 miles. Stagecoach says a typical bus operating in Hull covers about 135 miles each day.

That provides significant operational headroom and should allow most vehicles to complete their daily duties without requiring additional charging while in service.

Quieter streets and fewer moving parts

While reducing emissions is a major reason for electrification, Stagecoach says passengers and communities should notice other differences.

The electric buses produce as little as 50 decibels of noise – roughly equivalent to a normal conversation. A diesel bus, by comparison, typically produces around 72 decibels.

There could also be reliability and maintenance benefits.

With fewer moving mechanical components than their diesel counterparts, Stagecoach says its electric buses require servicing approximately every six weeks, compared with every four weeks for diesel vehicles.

The fleet also introduces new technology intended to improve safety and the driving experience.

Vehicles feature electric parking brakes and hill-start assistance alongside electric ‘smart’ mirrors, which are designed to provide drivers with improved visibility, particularly in poor or low-light conditions.

‘A fantastic step forward for Hull’

The new fleet was formally unveiled at the MKM Stadium, with representatives from Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and other organisations attending the launch.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Hull City Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said:

“Stagecoach’s new electric buses are a fantastic step forward for Hull. They’re cleaner, quieter and more reliable and they will make everyday journeys easier for thousands of people across our city.“This investment shows real confidence in Hull’s future. Modern, dependable public transport is essential for a growing city and these new buses will help us deliver exactly that.”

For Stagecoach, the investment forms part of a wider programme to decarbonise its operations while encouraging more people to choose public transport.

Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said:

“We are so proud to be bringing these wonderful new vehicles to our loyal customers in Hull. Investments like this aim to offer a more reliable and more comfortable service as well as cleaner air for everyone.“Our ongoing multi-million-pound investment will continue to decarbonise our fleet while bringing state-of-the-art bus travel to our customers.”

Cranwell also encouraged residents to leave their cars at home and try the new services.

Cheaper travel during August

The electric fleet's arrival coincides with discounted bus travel for younger passengers during August.

Children under 16 can travel free on local buses under the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme, while adult single fares are capped at £3.

Passengers aged 16 to 19 can also receive a 50% discount through the locally funded Mayor’s Fares initiative on Stagecoach East Midlands and East Yorkshire services.

That reduces a single journey to £1.50 and a return to £3 for eligible passengers during August.

With 42 new vehicles now beginning to enter service, further routes preparing to make the switch and a target of 55 electric buses within a year, the investment represents one of the most substantial changes to Hull’s bus fleet in generations.

And while the transition is designed to cut emissions, its impact is likely to be experienced just as much through quieter streets, modern vehicles and a new passenger experience on everyday journeys across the city.