Stagecoach launches 42 electric buses in Hull (England), fleet to reach 55 units within 12 months

Stagecoach East Midlands has launched 42 electric buses in Hull, with the operator planning to increase its electric fleet in the city to 55 vehicles within the next 12 months.

The new vehicles have entered passenger service on routes 3, 5 and 12, with deployment also planned on services 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15. According to Stagecoach, the procurement represents the largest order of new buses for Hull in 125 years.

The rollout follows a joint £28 million investment involving Stagecoach, Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the UK Department for Transport, covering both the electric buses and the infrastructure required for their operation.

The vehicles were officially presented at the beginning of August at an event at Hull’s MKM Stadium attended by representatives of Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and other local stakeholders.

Stagecoach electric buses enter service in Hull

Stagecoach states that the new electric buses require servicing every six weeks, compared with every four weeks for the diesel buses referenced by the operator.

Noise levels are also lower according to figures supplied by Stagecoach. The electric vehicles emit as little as 50 decibels, compared with the 72 decibels quoted by the operator for a typical diesel bus.

The buses are equipped with electric parking brakes, hill-start assistance and electric smart mirrors. According to Stagecoach, the mirror system is designed to provide improved visibility, including in low-light conditions.

The initial 42 vehicles will be followed by further electric buses over the coming year. Stagecoach intends to operate 55 electric buses in Hull within the next 12 months.

56 charging points installed at Stagecoach’s Foster Street depot

Stagecoach has installed 56 charging points at its Foster Street depot to support the electric fleet.

According to figures released by the operator, a fully charged electric double-decker has an approximate range of 260 miles, or around 418 kilometres, while a single-decker can cover approximately 300 miles, or 483 kilometres.

Stagecoach states that a typical bus operating in Hull covers around 135 miles, approximately 217 kilometres, per day.

The launch takes place during the government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme. During August, children under 16 can travel free of charge on local buses, while adult single fares are capped at £3, according to information provided by Stagecoach.

In brief

• How many electric buses has Stagecoach launched in Hull?
  42 electric buses have entered service, with the fleet planned to increase to 55 within the next 12 months.
• Which Hull routes are receiving the electric buses?
  The initial deployment covers services 3, 5 and 12, with services 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 planned to follow.
• How much has been invested in the project?
  Stagecoach, Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Department for Transport have jointly invested £28 million.
• What charging infrastructure has been installed?
  Stagecoach has installed 56 charging points at its Foster Street depot.

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. 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.”