A new fleet of ultra-modern electric buses has been introduced on routes around Hull.
Stagecoach East Midlands’ new fleet of 42 electric buses have fewer working parts to maintain – electric buses only need to be serviced every six weeks, rather than every four weeks for diesel buses.
They also reduce 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.
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. 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.
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.
