Transport for Greater Manchester has ordered a further 50 zero emission double deck buses from Alexander Dennis, doubling the total on order for the franchised Bee Network bus system to 100.
These buses, funded from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, will enter service in parts of Bury, Rochdale and Oldham when the second tranche of franchising launches there in April 2024.
They follow an initial procurement of 50 buses for the first tranche of Bee Network services in Wigan and Bolton from September 2023, with Go North West and Diamond confirmed as operators.
The buses will be built at the Alexander Dennis factory in Scarborough and be supported from its AD24 aftermarket hub in Skelmersdale.
Paul Davies, Alexander Dennis President & Managing Director, said: “This repeat order from Transport for Greater Manchester is a great recognition of the value added by our zero-emission buses.
“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.”
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “There is strong momentum towards the delivery of the Bee Network – an integrated London-style transport system – and bus franchising alongside our Metrolink trams means we have a solid foundation to build from.
“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.”
