First Electric Bus Spotted in Hartlepool as Greener Transport Gains Momentum
- teessidetoday
- Feb 22
- 2 min read
Move to greener public transport gathers pace on Teesside as the first electric bus put into service on Teesside is seen in Hartlepool
22nd Feb 2025
Hartlepool has taken its first step towards a greener public transport system with the introduction of its first fully electric bus. Spotted on its official route yesterday, the new bus is said to mark the beginning of a significant shift towards sustainable travel in the region.
The 36A service from Middlesbrough to Hartlepool is one of the first routes to feature the new Yutong E12, a fully electric bus designed to replace the ageing traditional diesel-powered vehicles. This marks the start whats proposed to be a wider rollout across the region, with more buses in the area set to transition to electric as part of an ambitious initiative to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Stagecoach North East is reportedly making a substantial investment in electric buses, purchasing as many as 244 from leading manufacturer Alexander Dennis. This move aligns with the company's commitment to environmental sustainability and modernising Teessides ageing public transport infrastructure.
As part of this initiative, up to 64 new zero-emission buses will be deployed across Teesside. The first batch arriving in February 2025, with Stagecoach’s Stockton-on-Tees depot set to become the largest fully electric bus hub in the North East.
In a statement made to the Tees Valley Combined Authority in November 2024, Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, expressed his enthusiasm for the project saying:
“It’s an exciting time for both the business and the Tees Valley region to receive such a large-scale investment in public transport. Delivering a fully electric depot with a fully electric fleet will not only benefit bus users in Stockton and the surrounding areas but also improve the quality of life for the wider community.
Engaging with the community has been a key focus of this initiative. We believe that young people have some of the most creative ideas, so involving them in the project was a natural step in our outreach efforts.”
This development represents a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards more sustainable public transport. With electric buses promising quieter, cleaner, and more efficient travel, with commuters in Hartlepool set to look forward to a greener and more environmentally friendly future on the roads.
