Hull is getting ready for the arrival of 21 new electric buses
The project, funded by the City Council is aiming to make Hull's transport cleaner and greener
The first phase of an infrastructure programme readying Hull for a future of electric buses has been completed. The work is being done as East Yorkshire Buses prepares for the arrival of 21 new electric Wrightbus vehicles later this year.
The programme has been funded by Hull City Council in an effort to create a greener city. In addition to charging East Yorkshire Buses’ new electric vehicles (EVs), the infrastructure at the operator’s Anlaby Road depot can also be used by the council’s own fleet of passenger vehicles.
Electric buses have a range of up to several hundred miles and are charged, usually at the depot, at the end of each day. Unlike diesel buses, they produce no carbon emissions or nitrogen oxides, so they can also contribute to improved air quality and help combat climate change. The buses also provide a smoother and quieter ride.
Cllr Mark Ieronimo, Hull City Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said:
“Step-by-step we are seeing the revolution of Hull’s public transport. It was brilliant to see the progress that has been made by East Yorkshire and their contractors to install this new charging infrastructure in anticipation of the arrival of the first electric buses in the city.
“There are currently no electric or hybrid buses operating on public routes in Hull. Electric buses are greener and cleaner and will have a transformative impact on public transport throughout the city. In addition to the environmental benefits, the new vehicles will have a wider impact by changing how our residents, and visitors to Hull, see buses and help encourage, and increase, passenger demand.”
Andrew Benstead, engineering director at East Yorkshire Buses, said:
“This milestone marks a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering cleaner, greener transport across the region. With the first phase of works now complete and handed back to East Yorkshire, we are well into phase two, continuing to work closely with our contractor to ensure that timelines are met, and progress remains on track.
“The collaboration and dedication from all involved have been instrumental in driving this transformative project forward. We have built a good working relationship with our principal contractor, EO Technology, and sub-contractor, Bethell, during the works.”
Ben Gilligan, managing director at East Yorkshire Buses, said:
“The completion of the phase one works at Anlaby Road represents a major milestone for us as we move towards the future which will see a significant change in the quality of our operation as we take delivery of our electric buses. These will massively improve the experience for our staff and customers as well as delivering much improved air quality across the city. We have been pleased to work with our partners at Hull City Council to make this project feasible.”
The rollout of electric buses in the Hull has been made possible thanks Government funding unlocked bids made by Hull City Council in partnership with East Riding Council and the region’s two operators (East Yorkshire Buses and Stagecoach East Midlands). Last year, an initial allocation of around £6 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) enabled for the purchase of 40 new, fully accessible electric buses and the installation of associated infrastructure.
In April, the Government confirmed announced a further £3.9 million to increase the scope of the region’s ZEBRA2 (zero emission bus regional areas) project and enable the purchase of 42 more electric buses for use in the city, bringing the total number of new electric buses that will soon be operating in the region to 82. Upon announcing the additional funding, the Government’s Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood visited Hull, having arrived on an electric bus, the kind of which will be seen driving around Hull in the coming years.