Stagecoach East Midlands has introduced its new fleet of electric buses in Hull, made up of ten Yutong E10 single-deckers and 32 Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV double-deckers.
Initially, 42 are being put into service – a number that will rise to 55 within a year – and the operator has also installed 56 charging points at its Foster Street depot.
Electric buses have arrived in Hull due to part-funding secured through a successful bid to the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA 2) scheme.
The bid process involved Stagecoach alongside fellow operator East Yorkshire Buses, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council.
Electric buses have launched on Services 3, 5 and 12 in Hull, and it is planned that they will extend to Services 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15.
Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said, “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.
“As we invest in a new electric fleet to bring more sustainable public transport, we would encourage everyone to leave their cars at home and give our new buses a go.”
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at the city council, 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.”
