Hull is set to make a major leap toward greener transport with a £3.9 million funding boost from the Department for Transport (DfT). The investment will bring 42 brand-new zero-emission buses to the city’s streets by spring 2027, marking a significant step in creating a more sustainable public transport network.
Hull is one of just 12 local authorities across England to benefit from the latest round of £37.5 million in government funding for clean, modern buses. The initiative is part of a wider push to reduce carbon emissions while improving the comfort and reliability of bus travel for passengers.
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, who is expected to visit Hull to formally announce the plans, said the scheme is about more than just new buses. “This investment will create jobs, boost local economies, and accelerate the journey towards a zero-emission future,” he said. “By backing local councils and UK manufacturers, we are putting the power in the hands of communities.”
The new fleet will not only make travel greener, but also quieter and more accessible. Hull’s inclusion in this national programme aligns with broader local plans to improve the city’s transport network.
In February, Hull City Council also approved £7.6 million of separate DfT funding to upgrade bus services across the city. That package includes increasing the frequency of services on key routes, installing up to 30 new bus shelters, and making improvements to accessibility and reliability.
This latest funding is closely tied to the Bus Service Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament and aims to give more power to local authorities to shape how bus services are delivered in their area.
Together, these developments signal a clear commitment to greener, more efficient, and people-focused transport across Hull — and a better experience for the thousands who rely on buses daily.
