Local bus operator Stagecoach East Midlands say that journey times have become nine per cent quicker following the installation of all-day bus lanes.
With buses running freely in dedicated lanes along all of Hull’s key arterial roads into the city centre, and restricting cars and other traffic from the bus lanes all day, it has created a much more efficient form of travel around the city when using public transport.
Matt Cranwell, Managing Director at Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “Many cars travelling into Hull are making very short journeys – under 5 miles – and most are carrying just one person. With frequent services from all the residential areas throughout the day, it has always made sense to use the bus to help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
“With the enhanced bus lanes helping services cut through congestion, it is now also faster to take the bus into town. What’s more, our customers can read a newspaper, check their emails or social media feeds during their journey before simply getting off in the heart of the city with no parking hassles.”
The expansion of bus lanes for bus users has been complemented by the recent Hull City Council investment in 42 new LCD display screens situated at each bus stand and an additional seven 49 inch screens along the concourse of the Paragon Interchange. The state-of-the-art screens provide real-time updates on bus arrival and departure times using smart technology, displaying journey planning information for all buses departing from the Interchange, including Stagecoach East Midlands’ services.
Bus operators are working in partnership with Hull City Council to deliver sustainable, environmental travel to support the local economy as the city starts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. City centre living, special events, social and leisure activities are the focus of encouraging people back into town, which means it is essential to reduce the number of cars on the road. Stagecoach is committed achieving a zero carbon bus fleet by 2035.
In 2019, Stagecoach East Midlands invested £5.7m in a state-of-the-art fleet of 31 environmentally friendly vehicles. The high-spec vehicles are fitted with Euro VI engines with low emissions and the latest start/stop technology. A bus can take up to 75 cars off the road and a typical bus passenger journey produces ten times less emissions than the same trip by car.
The team at Stagecoach in Hull have worked hard to keep bus services running throughout the pandemic. Enhanced cleaning, improved ventilation, social distancing, contactless payments and the wearing of face coverings by passengers unless exempt, mean that customer safety on Hull’s buses is paramount.
To find out more visit Stagecoach East Midlands.
