An additional set of 125 electric buses are destined for operation on Greater Manchester’s Bee Network following a new order from Wrightbus.
The announcement comes after another order of 55 new electric double-decker buses was placed earlier this year, adding to the 76 previously purchased from the factory in Northern Ireland.
This latest order from Wrightbus puts the Bee Network on track to not only achieve its goal of possessing a fully electric fleet by 2030, but hit the mid-way mark later this year.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:Placing these orders for another 125 zero emission vehicles from Wrightbus puts the Bee Network on track to meet our target to have a fully electric fleet by 2030, bringing huge benefits for our passengers, air quality and fast-growing economy.
Since the last order of 55 buses was confirmed in March, 76 previously purchased vehicles have arrived at Go North West’s Bolton depot.
Of those, 33 electric double decker buses will begin operation on bus routes 8 and 10, which serve Bolton, Farnworth, Pendlebury and Salford, whilst the other 43 specially-modified V1, V2 and V4 vehicles have now passed inspection at the Ballymena factory and will begin serving the Leigh Guided Busway in the coming weeks.
The latest batch of 125 buses ordered from Wrightbus include an additional 25 vehicles for Stagecoach and 100 for Metroline, which will run from the Hyde Road depot.
Currently, half of Greater Manchester’s depots have been fully electrified, with Ashton and Middleton now fully electric whilst Bolton, Oldham and Hyde Road have now been upgraded.
Wrightbus Managing Director Christian Reynolds said:This latest order for our battery-electric buses from TfGM builds on our existing fleet of vehicles in operation and reflects a strong commitment to UK manufacturing and the domestic supply chain. It demonstrates the competitiveness of both our product and our integrated supply ecosystem against international alternatives.
For more than 80 years, Wrightbus has championed a UK-based supply chain. Thanks to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s highly successful franchising model, we are able to continue this proud tradition — enabling our supply chain partners to showcase their capabilities while supporting jobs, innovation and economic benefit across the UK.
