The 32 electric buses operated by Stagecoach in Greater Manchester have covered 600,000 zero emission miles in 2020. The double-deckers, supplied by a partnership between Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and electric mobility specialist BYD Europe, have operated throughout the region’s Covid-19 lockdowns and is the largest fleet of its type outside London.
The buses have been operating on two high frequency services that provide vital links between Manchester city centre, Manchester Airport, five hospitals and two universities. They have also been deployed on additional services throughout lockdown so that, according to the companies, “further parts of Greater Manchester could benefit from improved air quality.” All charging has taken place at the depot.
Stagecoach’s UK managing director, Carla Stockton-Jones, said, “Air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk we face today. As operators of Britain’s biggest fleet of buses and coaches, we recognise we have a responsibility to play our part in delivering cleaner air. That’s why we have invested £1bn in 7,000 new greener vehicles and technologies in the past decade, with the new Manchester buses representing one of Europe’s largest single investment in electric buses.”
ADL president & managing director, Paul Davies, added, “As the UK considers ways to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, we cannot lose sight of the effects that transport choices have on the twin challenges of the climate emergency and air pollution. It is imperative to ensure that buses are an attractive choice with high quality services underpinned by appropriate priority and infrastructure, and delivered with low and zero emission buses built in this country.”
