Market Harborough–Kettering Bus Electrification Plans Set to Be Abandoned
Written by HFM News on 3rd June 2026
Plans to introduce electric buses on routes between Market Harborough and Kettering are set to be scrapped.
The zero-emission vehicles were due to enter service later this year as part of a £4 million project, but operator Stagecoach says it will not be able to install charging facilities at its Kettering depot in time.
North Northamptonshire Council, which secured government funding for the scheme on the 17, 18 and 19 routes serving Desborough and Rothwell, now plans to use the buses elsewhere in the county.
Plans to introduce electric buses on routes between Market Harborough and Kettering are set to be scrapped.
The revised proposal would instead see electric buses introduced on the X46 and X47 routes, which serve the east of the county and operate from Northampton depot, which has already been partially upgraded for electric vehicles.
The wider investment forms part of the council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, with electric buses expected to be in service by summer 2027 if approved.
Cllr Chris McGiffen, Executive Member for Highways and Travel, said the revised plan would still deliver significant benefits for passengers and air quality.
He added: “The new proposals plan would see electric buses used on routes that make up 20% of bus journeys in North Northamptonshire which means the scheme would have still have a significant impact for residents and passengers.
“But that doesn’t mean we have forgotten about the previously agreed route, and it is anticipated that the Kettering – Desborough route would be a strong contender for electrification by the time Stagecoach are able to invest in the Kettering depot.”
A Stagecoach spokesperson said working in partnership with the council to accelerate delivery would help bring improvements sooner, adding that customers would benefit from “smoother, quieter, cleaner and more modern journeys”.
