Hull, East Yorkshire is buzzing with brilliant news as the Government rolls out a significant investment to electrify the city’s bus fleet! Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood visited Hull today, bringing with him the exciting announcement of a £3.9 million funding boost that will see 42 brand-new, zero-emission electric buses gracing the streets by Spring 2027.
This fantastic development is part of a wider £37.8 million government commitment to introduce 319 green buses across England. What makes this even more cheerful is that every pound of government money is expected to attract at least three times that amount in private investment, amplifying the positive impact.
For Hull, this marks a monumental step towards a cleaner, greener future for public transport. Currently, the city doesn’t have any fully electric or even hybrid buses operating on its public routes. So, the arrival of these 42 state-of-the-art electric vehicles will not only dramatically improve air quality for residents and visitors but is also hoped to encourage more people to hop on board the buses.
Minister Lightwood, who even took a ride into Hull on an electric bus (brought in especially to showcase the smooth and quiet journeys to come!), praised Hull for its “pioneering” role in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. He highlighted the existing work in the region, including Siemens Gamesa’s wind turbine factory, as a “shining beacon” for the rest of the country.
The move has been warmly welcomed by Hull City Council. Kerry Ryan, Head of Transport and Traffic Management at the authority, expressed her delight, stating that electric buses are “greener and cleaner” and will have a “transformative impact” on public transport in the city. She anticipates that these modern vehicles will change how people view buses and lead to increased passenger numbers.
Local bus operators, East Yorkshire Buses and Stagecoach East Midlands, are equally thrilled. Ben Gilligan, Managing Director at East Yorkshire Buses, said the funding will not only improve air quality but also support UK manufacturing, as the vehicles will be sourced from Wrightbus. Matt Cranwell, Managing Director at Stagecoach East Midlands, echoed this sentiment, stating that the investment will accelerate their commitment to achieving net-zero and provide passengers with smoother, more sustainable journeys.
This isn’t just about cleaner air, though that’s a massive win! Electric buses bring a whole host of other benefits to our communities:
- Quieter Rides: Say goodbye to the rumble and roar of diesel engines! Electric buses offer a significantly quieter travel experience, reducing noise pollution in our towns and cities.
- Lower Running Costs: Electricity is generally cheaper than diesel, and electric buses have fewer moving parts, meaning lower maintenance costs in the long run. These savings can be reinvested into improving services for passengers.
- Support for UK Jobs: A significant portion of the government funding is expected to go to UK-based manufacturers, creating skilled jobs in engineering and construction right here at home.
- Smoother Journeys: Electric buses often provide a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers.
- Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels: This move helps us move away from our dependence on traditional fuels and towards a more sustainable future.
Hull is truly on the cusp of an electrifying transformation in its public transport network. While the Minister noted that a 100% electric fleet across the city isn’t expected before 2030 to allow for a smooth transition for operators and manufacturers, this investment is a fantastic leap forward. It’s a testament to the power of government funding working hand-in-hand with local authorities and businesses to create positive change for our communities and the environment. So, next time you see a shiny new electric bus gliding through Hull, you’ll know it’s a sign of a brighter, cleaner, and quieter future on the road ahead!Sources and related content
