The Stagecoach site will be home to a fleet that ‘will have a transformative impact on public transport throughout the city’
Matt Cranwell, managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, left, and Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Infrastructure at Hull City Council(Image: Stagecoach East Midlands)
A major milestone has been reached on the future of public transport in Hull. Ground has been officially broken at a Stagecoach depot that will host a fleet of high-tech electric buses.
The project at the Foster Street depot will provide the necessary charging infrastructure for 42 electric vehicles, which are expected to begin serving passengers this year. The upcoming fleet will consist of 32 ADL Enviro400EV buses, capable of seating 73 passengers along with another 26 standing, and 10 Yutong E10 Midibuses with a capacity for 31 seated passengers and 39 standing.
These new vehicles are designed to offer a quieter, smoother, and more reliable ride for commuters, benefiting from fewer moving parts than traditional diesel engines. Overall, more than 80 electric buses are set to come to the area, operated by both Stagecoach and East Yorkshire Buses.
The installation of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure was marked by Matt Cranwell, managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, and Councillor Mark Ieronimo, 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 project has been supported by capital funding from Hull City Council, which reflects the local authority’s ambition to address climate change and foster a greener urban environment. By moving away from diesel, the city aims to significantly reduce emissions. Current figures indicate that while buses account for only 3 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, cars contribute a staggering 55 per cent.
Councillor Ieronimo highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, saying: “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.”
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