Public transport in Hull has taken another major step forward in terms of comfort, reliability, safety and environmental impact, as a new fleet of ultra-modern electric buses have started to take passengers around the city.
Stagecoach East Midlands’ new fleet of 42 electric buses all offer a comfortable and smooth ride as well as the promise of ever more modern and reliable services, as there are fewer working parts to maintain – electric buses only need to be serviced every six weeks, rather than every four weeks for diesel buses.
They are also a major landmark in reducing local noise pollution, as they emit as little as 50 decibels – as quiet as a normal conversation – rather than a diesel bus, which typically emits 72 decibels.
The vehicles are all equipped with electric parking brakes, hill-start assist and electric ‘smart’ mirrors, designed to improve visibility – particularly in low-light conditions.
The new buses were officially launched at an event at the MKM Stadium, with dignitaries from Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council as well as other key representatives. The investment forms the biggest order of buses in the last 125 years for Hull.
From today Monday (10 August 2026), electric buses have launched on services 3, 5 and 12 and it is planned that they will extend to services 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15.
The operator intends that 55 buses in its fleet, in the city, will be electric within the next 12 months and has installed 56 charging points at its Foster Street depot. The range of a fully-charged electric double-decker is approximately 260 miles and single-decker 300 miles, whereas a typical bus, in Hull, will travel 135 miles each day.
The launch comes after a joint £28million investment from Stagecoach, Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Department for Transport, to deliver the new electric buses and the infrastructure to support them.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, 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.”
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.”
The launch comes during August when children under 16 can travel for free on local buses under the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme, with adult single fares capped at just £3.
The Mayor for Hull and East Yorkshire has also funded a 50% discount on travel for 16-to-19-year-olds on services provided by Stagecoach East Midlands and East Yorkshire.
The ‘Mayor’s Fares’ ticket means a single fare for those under the age of 20 but over the age of 16 will cost just £1.50 or £3 for a return during the month of August.