Ground Broken – Hull on the Road to New Electric Bus Depot!

You know that familiar rumble of a city bus pulling up to the stop? That slight shudder as the engine idles? Well, for the people of Hull, that sound might soon be a thing of the past. Something big is happening with the city's public transport, and it’s all about going green. Work has officially kicked off on a project that will bring a whole new fleet of ultra-modern, quiet, and comfortable electric buses to the streets. It’s a huge step forward, promising cleaner air and a much smoother ride for passengers across the city.

So what’s happening at Foster Street?

On Wednesday, 11th February 2026, something pretty significant happened. Forget grand ceremonies; this was about getting down to business. Shovels hit the dirt as ground was officially broken at the Foster Street depot. This isn't just about building a new shed; it’s about creating a home for a brand-new fleet of 42 electric buses. This site will be fitted out with all the necessary electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, basically a massive set of chargers to make sure the buses are juiced up and ready to go every morning. This initial fleet is just the beginning. It’s part of a much bigger plan by Stagecoach East Midlands to bring over 120 electric buses to the wider region. The goal is to have these first 42 electric buses for Hull carrying passengers by Spring 2026, which isn't that far away when you think about it. It’s a major move to modernise the bus service in the city.

A completely new ride for passengers

So, what will these new buses actually be like? For a start, they'll be a lot quieter. Think about gliding through the city streets without the constant engine noise. It’s going to make for a much more peaceful journey. And because electric motors are simpler than diesel ones, with fewer moving parts to maintain, the new fleet promises more reliable services. Fewer breakdowns mean a better chance of getting to your destination on time. The project includes two different types of bus to serve different routes and passenger numbers.

• ADL Enviro400EV: There will be 32 of these double-deckers. They are the big ones, with room for 73 seated passengers and another 26 standing. Perfect for the busiest routes.

• Yutong E10 Midibuses: The fleet also includes 10 of these smaller, single-decker buses. They can take 31 seated passengers and 39 standing, making them ideal for quieter routes or streets that are a bit trickier for a double-decker to navigate.

Both models offer a super smooth and ultra-modern experience. It’s not just a new bus; it’s a whole new way to travel around Hull. These aren’t just any buses; they represent a serious investment in making public transport a more comfortable and appealing option for everyone.

The people making it happen

This big change is the result of a partnership between Stagecoach East Midlands and Hull City Council. The two people who officially broke ground were Matt Cranwell, the Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, and Councillor Mark Ieronimo, who is the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transport and Infrastructure at Hull City Council. They were the ones with the spades, signalling the start of construction on the new EV charging infrastructure. It’s clear they are both excited about what this means for the city and its residents.

Matt Cranwell said: “We are so proud to have broken ground on the new facilities for our electric bus fleet in Hull. Investments like this aim to offer a more reliable and more comfortable service, as well as cleaner air, for our loyal customers in the city.”

He also added: “Our ongoing multi-million-pound investment will decarbonise our fleet while bringing state-of-the-art bus travel to our customers. As we invest in a new EV fleet to bring more sustainable public transport, we would encourage everyone to leave their cars at home and give our new buses a go."

A greener plan for a greener city

This whole project is about more than just comfortable seats and a quiet ride. It’s a key part of Hull City Council's commitment to tackling the climate emergency. The council has provided the capital funding to help get the EV charging infrastructure programme off the ground, supporting the roll-out of these fantastic new electric buses. It's about creating a greener, healthier city for everyone who lives and works there. Public transport is a huge part of that vision.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo shared his enthusiasm for the project. “Stagecoach East Midlands breaking ground on the new EV facilities at Foster Street is the latest milestone in our joint work to revolutionise public transport in Hull,” he said.

“It was brilliant to see the enthusiasm of all the staff, as they prepare for the arrival of their first electric buses. These new vehicles will have a transformative impact on public transport throughout the city. As well as providing quieter and more comfortable journeys, they will also improve the reliability of services and help us encourage, and increase, passenger demand.”

Does hopping on the bus really help the planet?

It’s easy to wonder if one person choosing the bus over their car makes any real difference. Well, the numbers are pretty surprising. Figures from Bus Users UK, an independent group that represents passengers, show just how big the impact can be. For example, a brand-new diesel car with just one person inside can pump out more harmful fumes, like Nitrogen Oxides, than a new bus carrying 50 or more passengers. When you think about it like that, it’s a no-brainer. Cars are responsible for 55% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, while buses account for just 3%. That’s a massive difference. Here’s a final thought to chew on: if every person in the country switched just one car journey a month to the bus, it would lead to a billion fewer car journeys on the roads. That simple change would save an incredible 2 million tonnes of Carbon Dioxide every year. So yes, choosing the bus really does matter. And with a new fleet of ultra-modern electric buses coming to Hull, making that choice is about to get a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.