British bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis has received an order for an additional 50 zero-emission double deck buses from Transport for Greater Manchester, a public transport body in the U.K.
With this, Alexander now has a total of 100 electric buses on order for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network franchised bus system.
The buses, which will be funded from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, will enter service in parts of Oldham, Rochdale and Bury when the second phase of franchising rolls out in April 2024.
Alexander notes that the buses will be built in the North of England at its factory in Scarborough and supported locally from its AD24 aftermarket hub in Skelmersdale.
“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,” Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, Vernon Everitt, 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.”
Transport for Greater Manchester had previously ordered 50 buses for the first phase of Bee Network services scheduled to launch in Bolton and Wigan in September 2023. Bus operators Go North West and Diamond have been appointed to run the first phase.
“We are also developing major schemes at pace, with more than £100 million 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,” Everitt added.
Headquartered in Larbert, Scotland, Alexander Dennis is the largest bus and coach manufacturer in the U.K. It is a subsidiary of Canadian bus manufacturing company NFI Group.
