Transport for Greater Manchester has ordered another 50 electric double-deck buses from Alexander Dennis for the next stage of the Bee Network roll-out. Funded by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, the buses are part of an initial procurement of 50 vehicles for the first tranche of Bee Network services in Wigan and Bolton, which will operate from September 2023 and for which Go North West and Diamond has been confirmed as the appointed operator. The additional 50 British-built electric buses will enter service in parts of Bury, Rochdale and Oldham when the second tranche of franchising launches in April 2024.

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “High demand for safe, reliable and affordable public transport in the region will only increase as we progressively join up our fares, ticketing and information systems to make using public transport easier and more accessible for everyone. We are also developing major schemes at pace, with more than £100m worth of projects currently being progressed, including dozens of new electric buses, plans for new quality bus routes and various projects that will significantly improve the travelling experience for passengers.” Alexander Dennis is a subsidiary of NFI, an independent bus and coach manufacturer and electric mass mobility solutions specialist.

Paul Davies, President and Managing Director at Alexander Dennis, commented: “This repeat order from Transport for Greater Manchester is a great recognition of the value added by our zero-emission buses, which will be built in the North of England at our factory in Scarborough and supported locally from our AD24 aftermarket hub in Skelmersdale. With a total of 100 electric buses now on order from Alexander Dennis for the Bee Network, we are looking forward to helping to transform the public transport experience in the region.”