A government minister says money spent building zero emission buses in Hull will boost jobs in engineering
Nearly £38 million is going to be spent across the country, to build over 300 new buses
Last updated 8th Apr 2025
A minister is telling us funding for zero emission buses in Hull will mean better trips for passengers.
It's after nearly £38 million pounds was allocated by the government to invest in green transport.
This will pay for over 300 new buses across the country - including over 40 in Hull.
Simon Lightwood visited Hull's Paragon Exchange today, he says it's going to be a significant upgrade:
"Hull has been renowned really for leading that journey towards de carbonising, so I'm really proud that we are able to deliver those 42 buses here.
"It's really attracting a new generation of people to look again at engineering and that's fantastic that these operators are really investing in the skills base to deliver these buses
A minister has praised Hull’s “pioneering” role in decarbonisation as the Government announces a near £4-million green investment into the city’s transport network.
£3.9 million of this funding will go to Hull City Council, bringing 42 new green buses into the city, which are set to arrive by 2027.
It is hoped that, in time, 100 per cent of buses in the city will be zero-emission, electric vehicles.
The Government minister arrived at Paragon Interchange on an electric bus that had been brought to Hull from Chesterfield for the day. Upon alighting at the interchange, Mr Lightwood commented on the quiet and smooth nature of his journey which was used as an example of what bus users in Hull can expect to see in the years to come.
Mr Lightwood also touched on the wider role Hull plays in the UK’s journey to decarbonisation, which includes the work done at Siemens Gamesa’s wind turbine factory. Mr Lightwood said: “I think it’s fantastic, it’s a shining beacon here. This is an example to the rest of the country by really pioneering and leading the way when it comes to decarbonising.”
The announcement has been welcomed by Hull City Council, with Kerry Ryan, who is head of transport and traffic management at the authority, saying: “Today’s announcement from the Department for Transport is welcome news for our city.
“Electric buses are greener and cleaner and will have a transformative impact on public transport throughout Hull.
“There are currently no electric or hybrid buses operating on public bus services in the city so, in addition to the environmental benefits, the new vehicles will have a wider impact by changing how our residents, and visitors to the city, see buses and help encourage, and increase, passenger demand.”
The announcement has also been welcomed by the two bus operators that run services in the region:
Ben Gilligan, managing director at East Yorkshire Buses, said: “We are delighted to receive the news that we have received further funding for additional electric buses. Not only will these make a real difference to air quality in the region, but they will also support UK manufacturing, with the vehicles being sourced from Wrightbus.
“The success of this bid is a true testament to the partnership working in place between the members of the Hull Bus Alliance.”
Matt Cranwell, managing director at Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “This funding is helping Stagecoach to accelerate our commitment to achieving net zero, helping to tackle climate change and contribute to the future of zero-emission travel.
“We’re looking forward to providing a smoother, more sustainable journey for our passengers thanks to this exciting new fleet of vehicles and the ongoing upgrades to our depots.”